KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 23 investigation papers have been opened on open burning in the country, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Deputy Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said to date, a total of 89 compounds had been issued to those found to have committed the offence under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
She said the offence carried a maximum penalty of RM500,000 fine and five years’ jail.
“A RM2,000 compound could also be issued for each offence,” she said.
She said based on observation and investigation by the Department of Environment (DOE), agricultural open burning and peat forest fires were found to be the main contributors to haze in the country.
“At the Asean level, Malaysia will continue to play its role to urge member states, especially Indonesia, to comply with the obligations under Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to prevent such incidents from happening.
“In addition, every member must give serious attention to realise the Road Map on Asean Cooperation towards Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation, which is the framework towards achieving the Asean Haze Free Region by 2020,” she said in reply to a question by Datuk Mohd Nizar Zakaria (BN-Umno-Parit).
She said the ministry and DOE would roll out various initiatives to address the issue, including activating the national haze action plan.
“The national plan would involve various agencies including the Fire and Rescue Department and National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
“We also carry out enforcement operations to nab culprits who are responsible for open fires at peat forests and waste disposal sites.
“Long term efforts include drafting a law on mitigating haze and accountability for Malaysian firms operating in Indonesia,” she said in reply to a supplementary question by Mohd Nizar.
Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-PKR-Permatang Pauh) asked whether action could be taken by the Malaysian authorities under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act against Malaysian firms in Indonesia found to have been involved in open burning.
“Ministry is of the view that it would not reject any (legal) action taken against these companies, including Malaysian firms in Indonesia found to have caused losses in sectors such as education and tourism in Malaysia.
“We welcome suggestionw on the matter,” she said.
Isnaraissah later told the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry would take into consideration suggestionw to impose a carbon tax to address pollution.
“There are various solutions other than carbon tax, in curbing pollution. The ministry is currently drafting the Climate Change Act and will be taking this into consideration,” she said in reply to a question by Wong Chen (PH-PKR-Subang).