KUCHING: The public are reminded to stop open burning in view of the current dry spell which can lead to haze.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said five hotspots were detected in Miri yesterday but had disappeared.

“I have received reports that fires are still there in Acheh, Sumatra and certain parts of Kalimantan but the current situation is still worrying,” said Wan Junaidi when met by reporters after attending a thanksgiving prayer function at Masjid Darul Hana.

“The wind might bring the haze but we believe that the situation is under control at the moment,” he added. Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, said there were also hot spots in Peninsular Malaysia such as in Kelantan and Johor but were contained by the authorities.

“The government is calling on everyone to stop open burning at the moment due to the current dry weather. Such actions can bring local haze that affects us,” he said. On the fire in Miri, Wan Junaidi said it had been contained, but warned people, especially land owners, to stop open burning.

“The area in Miri, particularly the road leading to the Brunei border, is prone to fire and the authorities should always be on standby should the area be affected by fire,” he added.