KUALA LUMPUR – Open burning is prohibited in Selangor, Pahang and Johor with immediate effect, said Environment Department (DoE) director-general Norlin Jaafar in a statement today.
She said the ban is being implemented under Section 29AA (2) of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2001.
She said that it means that no one is allowed to build fires outdoors or allow their land or premises to be entered or trespassed by irresponsible people leading to open burning, either intentionally or unintentionally.
“If found guilty, the person faces a maximum fine of RM500,000, up to five years’ jail, or both,” said Norlin.
She said they will also face a maximum compound of RM2,000 for each offence.
DoE is seeking assistance from the public to extinguish small fires and report open burning to the Fire and Rescue Department by calling 999 or DoE at 1-800-882-727, or via the complaint portal.
Yesterday, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Man, said the unhealthy air quality in a few areas was due to an increase in open burning cases.
He reportedly said that the haze was due to forest and peat fires over 34ha of the South Kuala Langat Forest Reserve, open agricultural burning in Johan Setia, Klang, and a bush fire in Rompin, Pahang. – Bernama, March 3, 2021
