Sarawak haze crisis prompts nationwide plea to stop open burning, shield schools and businesses

SARAWAK, September 5 — All parties are urged to cease open burning activities in order to prevent the haze crisis from worsening and endangering public health and daily routines. Datuk Yusuf Abd Wahab, chairman of the Special Select Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Communication, called for an immediate halt to all open burning activities, including rubbish disposal and forest clearing through fire.

This precautionary measure was urged following the declaration of an emergency in the Serian Division by the reigning Sultan Ibrahim yesterday. Yusuf, also a Tanjung Manis Member of Parliament, implored everyone to refrain from burning rubbish or clearing forests by fire until the haze situation improves. He expressed concern over the impact of the haze on daily activities, schools, and businesses, as many premises have been forced to close.

Yusuf, representing the Tanjung Manis Parliamentary Class B2 Driving Licence Assistance Programme, reminded the public to wear face masks when outdoors to reduce health risks posed by the haze. The programme, organized by the Tanjung Manis Parliamentary Service Centre and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarikei Branch, saw 1,014 candidates from across the parliamentary constituency participate.

Yusuf emphasized that obtaining a valid driving licence would enable members of the B40 group to utilize motorcycles for income generation, thereby elevating their socio-economic status.