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

KUCHING, Sept 4 — Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is intensifying surveillance in high-risk forest regions due to the current sweltering, arid and smoggy climate, which could escalate the likelihood of forest fires. SFC's general manager, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, emphasized the need for vigilance as these conditions could subject forest ecosystems and wildlife to heightened stress.

"Our monitoring efforts are particularly intensified in peat forests and regions near human activity," Abang Arabi explained, highlighting field patrols and the use of hotspot information and technology to identify early indications of fire. "We are focusing our attention on Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) that have a history of forest fires," he added, mentioning specific parks 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, all situated in Sarawak's Miri and Kuching regions.

The corporation is also primed to manage wildlife casualties stemming from forest fires and health complications arising from prolonged smoke and haze exposure. Abang Arabi disclosed that the SFC has mobilized emergency equipment and trained staff, including veterinary officers, to swiftly address such incidents. "Collaboration with private veterinary clinics and the Department of Veterinary Services is integral to our strategy for mitigating wildlife health crises," he stated.

Acknowledging the exacerbating role of climate change in perpetuating hotter and drier climates, Abang Arabi underscored the necessity for SFC to embrace a more proactive approach to readiness. "We continuously evaluate our preparedness and refine our guidelines and standard operating procedures," he affirmed. "Our primary objectives extend beyond firefighting to prevent fires, detect them at an early stage, and safeguard forests and wildlife from potential deterioration," he concluded.