BEAUFORT: Farmers who had started small fires for land-clearing activities on March 27 are responsible for the choking haze in three districts - Beaufort, Papar and Kuala Penyu.
National Resource and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in a statement today said the fire had spread encompass 20 hectares of peat soil forest reserve at Klias and another 200 hectares at Binsuluk.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department took almost a week to bring the fires under control today.
"However, the embers within the peat soils are still emitting thick smoke, causing the haze.
"Cloud seeding operations will be conducted by the Malaysian Meteorology Department and the Royal Malaysian Air Force if the Air Pollutant Index reading exceeds 100 for more than 72 hours," he said.
Wan Junaidi reminded the people not to start fires as they can be charged under Section 29 (A) of the Environment Quality Act.
Members of the public are also urged to help put out small fires or report the incidents to the authorities.
As of 3pm, the readings at three districts stood at 143.
The State Education Department had ordered 83 schools at the affected areas to be closed today and tomorrow.