KOTA KINABALU: The El Nino phenomenon is causing wildfires in Sabah, said Sepanggar member of parliament Datuk Mustapha Sakmud yesterday.
Mustapha said El Nino, which had resulted in hot and dry conditions in the state, had become a cause of wildfires.
A few days ago, Sabah recorded almost 1,000 wildfires, and Kimanis had an "unhealthy" Air Pollutant Index reading.
The state Meteorological Department said the dry spell would likely last until June.
Mustapha, who is deputy higher education minister, urged people to prevent open burning during this period.
"Working with the Fire and Rescue Department is crucial in providing information and awareness to the public about the El Nino phenomenon so that preventive measures can be taken.
"Short- and long-term approaches need to be refined to find the best solution to address El Nino as this phenomenon happens annually."
He said this at an iftar programme at the Sabah State Fire and Rescue Department headquarters here.
Last October, a climatologist, Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, had said Sabah was most vulnerable to the impact of climate change compared with other state because the state was closer to the Pacific Ocean and the monsoon from mainland Asian countries such as China.
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M eanwhile, Mustapha said: "The El Nino phenomenon is quite challenging as several areas in Sepanggar are facing critical water problems due to the reduction of hill water sources. So this is affecting residents in hilly areas.
"Some inaccessible areas received only bottled mineral water supplies, but my parliamentary office will do its best to help affected communities."