1,DEWAN___ANSWER_ON INFRASTURETURE PROJECTS IN SARAWAK

2,REPORTS ON EFFECTS OF HAZE 

3,FINANCIAL ALLOCATION TO FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS IN SARAWAK

4,POULTRY/ANIMAL FEED PRODUCED LOCALLY

5,PLAN TO MAKE SIBU DIVISION A VIABLE TOURIST DESTINATION
 

Speeches /Debates

(a) Speech on Dewan Undangan Negeri (Privileges etc) Bill 

(b) Speech on Sales Tax Bill 

(c) Speech on Wildlife Protection Bill 

(d)Speech on Motion of Thanks to TYT 

(a) Does the government have any report on the health, economic and other effects of haze that shrouded Sarawak in September, 1997. If the answer is in the affirmative, whether and when such report will be released to the public. How much does it cost the government to have such report(s) compiled;

(b) Does the government have any estimate as to the amount of losses suffered by the people in Miri and Bintulu as a result of the recent haze and whether the government intends to study and compile reports on such losses and the health effect thereof; and

(c) Would the government consider requiring companies and individuals who have been guilty of open burning to compensate for these losses.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Kemudahan Awam (Datuk Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Tuan Speaker, for the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek. In answer to question (a) the government has with the assistance of Jabatan Kesihatan compile relevant data on the short term effect of haze on health. The compiled data shows that cases of illness such as upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, asthma and conjunctivitis has increased in September, October and November compared to the period before the haze. In September cases of illness related to upper respiratory infection and asthma has increase to 25,615 cases and 4,683 cases respectively compare to 16,089 and 2,282 cases in August. The following high risk groups were being affected the most:

(i) Children; (ii) Elderly people; and (iii) Those who have asthma, bronchitis, chronic lung diseases.

It is not possible to know the long term effect of haze as yet. However, a study on long term effect is being carried out by the experts from Japan Environment and Sanitation Centre of Kawasaki who have taken of few samples from school children in October, 1997. Similar studies are also being carried out by the Ministry of Health and WHO. All these studies are funded by the respective organisations. The government will make the reports available to the public as soon as they are finalised. 
 

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On the question of the effect of haze on Sarawak economy, it has been answered at Dewan Undangan Negeri Sitting on 14th November, 1997.

For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek, no estimate has been made on the amount of losses suffered by the people in Miri and Limbang as a result of the recent haze. As Ahli Yang Berhormat is aware, the government did not order the factories, oil palm plantations and construction companies to cease their operations during the haze. If there are any losses they would be minimal. However, the government will make a study on the losses affecting the tourism industry Miri and Limbang Divisions. Data on the short term effect of haze in Miri has been collected by the Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri. It shows an increase in March 1998 especially in cases of illness on upper respiratory infection and asthma among adults and children. The total cases on upper respiratory infection and asthma are 6,970 and 737 cases respectively compare to 2,762 and 288 cases in December, 1,997.

For now, the government has not considered at requiring companies and individuals found guilty of open burning to compensate losses incurred. However, legal actions have been and will be taken against them. At Federal Government level there is a suggestion that the landowners of those who reside on the land who commit the act of open burning, to pay operational cost of putting off the fire on their lands or lands under their supervision. During the State of Haze Emergency on 19th September until 28th September, 1997 and during haze in Miri and Limbang all open burning was prohibited. Whoever found contravening this regulation can be prosecuted under the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environmental Ordinance 1993 and the Federal Environmental Quality Act.