Minister warns against open burning

Those found guilty of open burning can be fined up to RM500,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both upon being charged in court.

KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been cautioned against conducting open burning during the current heat spell which has hit several areas in the country.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said based on a recent report by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), there were two hotspots detected in the country – Pahang and Terengganu.

“Under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, any party found guilty of open burning can be imposed a maximum compound of RM2,000, or upon being charged in court, they can be fined up to RM500,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both,” he said in a statement here last night.

He advised members of the public not to allow trespass of their properties or premises by irresponsible quarters which could lead to open burning, either intentionally or by accident.

Commenting further on the report by ASMC, the minister said the transboundary haze caused by uncontrolled open burning in Indonesia typically occurred during the annual southwest monsoon which resulted in hot weather.

“However, there was no incident of transboundary haze as no fire hotspots were detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan,” he said. -FMT