KOTA BARU: Those caught carrying out open burning can be fined up to RM2,000 on the spot by patrolling Department Of Environment (DoE) enforcement teams.
Kelantan DoE director Hamzah Muhamad said such a stern action would help to prevent from worsening the ongoing haze situation.
“DoE will not hesitate to take action against those found carrying out open burning in the state, as we do not want haze to worsen,” he said when contacted today.
Hamzah said the department would also cooperate with local municipal councils to monitor open burning activities in the state, which overall haze condition had yet to reach unhealthy levels.
“The Air Pollutant Index (API) in certain districts in Kelantan are still at normal reading as of yesterday.
DoE has imposed a ban on open burning nationwide excluding cremation, for religious purposes, outdoor barbecue and flaring until the end of the southwest monsoon period between May and September.
DoE director-general Norlin Jaafar said the ban was implemented under Section 29AA (2) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Offenders can be fined a maximum RM500,000 or sentenced to a jail term of up to five years, or both and a maximum compound fine of RM2,000 for every offence.