Isu jerebu: Sarawak digesa ambil tindakan guaman terhadap Indonesia

Serian, Samarahan and Kuching in Sarawak have recorded the highest IPU (Air Pollution Index) levels of the day. (Picture: Bernama) The Sarawak government is encouraged to take legal action against Indonesia over the recurring border dispute issue that has repeatedly embarrassed the state. Activist Peter John Jaban stated that the state government should seek appropriate remedies through domestic, regional, or international legal channels if strong evidence is presented to support such steps.

"Sarawak cannot continue to be a passive victim while its people continuously bear the burden of a problem that could have been prevented," he said in a statement. Jaban also urged the federal and Sarawak governments to consider legal action against companies or any party responsible for causing forest and land fires if sufficient evidence links them to the issue.

He also called for an independent assessment to evaluate the losses and damage suffered by Sarawak, including the impact on public health, environment, economy, and education sectors. The assessment should be followed by efforts to compensate and provide relief to the affected community and sectors that have proven to suffer losses due to the recurring dispute crisis.

Jaban also urged Putrajaya to activate the mechanism under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Pollution, in addition to formally presenting Malaysia's concerns to Indonesia. He said both countries must establish a clear and accountable mechanism to ensure the border dispute does not continue to recur. Minos, who reported last month, said the fire has worsened public health and the economy, citing health issues, school closures, and loss of tourism revenue.

Minos also highlighted further losses as the fire situation worsened in Serian, including medical treatment costs, cancellation of various events, and disruption to business. Serian was previously under emergency since 4 to 7 Sept due to the fire situation reaching dangerous levels. Smoke from forest fires in neighboring Kalimantan has pushed the Air Pollution Index (IPU) in Serian beyond the hazardous level of 500, far exceeding the dangerous threshold of 300.

A total of 28 regions across the country recorded unhealthy IPU readings by 3 pm today. Serian and two other areas in Sarawak, Samarahan and Kuching, each recorded IPU levels of 174, 169 and 166 respectively. Other Sarawak regions that recorded unhealthy IPU readings include Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (155) and Miri (153).