SHAH ALAM, March 9 — The Department of Environment (DOE) has strictly prohibited open burning in Selangor and has imposed a maximum fine of RM500,000 if found guilty, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Menteri Besar said the move implemented by the DOE is to curb the environmental impact caused by open burning.
“The people of Selangor are reminded to report to Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) or the DOE if they come across any open burning activities.
“Imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of RM500,000 can be imposed if found guilty,” said Amirudin in a Facebook post today.
On March 3, the DOE had imposed an immediate ban on open burning in Selangor, Pahang and Johor.
The move was being implemented under Section 29AA (2) of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2001.
The ban includes the prohibition against outdoor burning or allowing others to enter or trespass one’s land or premises by irresponsible people leading to open burning either intentionally or unintentionally.
Those convicted would also face a maximum compound fine of RM2,000 for each offence.
On March 2, Environment and Water Minister, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said unhealthy air quality in several areas was due to an increase in open burning cases, which include 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.
