Sarawak Forestry ramps up monitoring in fire-prone forests as heat, haze raise risks to wildlife

KUCHING, Sept 4 — Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has intensified its surveillance in high-risk forest regions due to the current hot, dry, and hazy weather. The situation warrants heightened vigilance as these conditions could exacerbate the threat of forest fires, according to SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. Monitoring efforts are focused on peat forest areas and regions close to human activities, with field patrols and the use of hotspot information and technology to identify early warning signs of fire.

SFC is particularly vigilant about Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) that have been previously impacted by forest fires, such as Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Piasau Nature Reserve, Lambir National Park, Niah National Park, Mulu National Park, Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Bako National Park, Kuching Wetland National Park, and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, among others.

Abang Arabi emphasized that the corporation is well-prepared to address wildlife injuries caused by forest fires and health issues resulting from exposure to heavy smoke and haze. This preparedness includes having emergency equipment and trained personnel, including SFC veterinary officers, on standby to respond swiftly in case of an emergency.

Collaboration with private veterinary centers and the Department of Veterinary Services is also part of the strategy to manage wildlife health concerns. The current climate change trend, characterized by hotter and drier conditions, necessitates a more systematic approach to preparedness. SFC regularly reviews the situation, updating its guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent fires, detect them early, and safeguard forests and wildlife before the situation deteriorates.

The transboundary haze affecting Sarawak since early August has led to hazardous air quality readings in several areas, with the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal reporting API levels reaching hazardous levels in Serian (495) as of 7 am.