KUCHING: The Sarawak Department of Environment (DOE) advises the public throughout the state not to conduct open burning without obtaining permission from the authorities.

According to a statement, this order should be taken seriously especially during the hot and dry weather Malaysia is currently experiencing which can cause an increased risk of haze and uncontrolled fires.

“This open burning ban order can also prevent deterioration of air quality due to severe air pollution, especially during this dry season.

“Open burning includes the burning of any agricultural waste, bushes or shrubs, burning of any type of waste such as domestic waste or construction waste, burning at landfills or peatland areas, and controlled burning without written approval from the authorities,” it said on Friday.

Among the effects on public health are asthma, cough and bronchitis due to fine particles (PM2.5) in smoke, respiratory and heart problems especially for babies, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, eye, throat and nose irritation, and reduced quality of life for residents.

Meanwhile, the impacts on the environment are air pollution and haze (Increased Air Pollution Index – API), deterioration of soil and water quality due to burning waste, destruction of flora and fauna as well as forest and peatland ecosystems, and increased greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming.

The Sarawak DOE also noted that parties committing open burning without permission will be subject to fines and punishment under Section 29A, Environmental Quality (Amended) Act 2024.

“Under Section 29A, Environmental Quality Act 1974, any person who commits an offence and if convicted, may be fined not less than RM25,000 and not more than RM1 million or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years or both, and may also be subject to an additional fine not exceeding RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after being given a notice to cease the activity.

“The guilty party may also be subject to a maximum compound of not more than 50 per cent of the maximum fine,” the statement said.

The Sarawak DOE calls on the public to work together in addressing any issues related to pollution and calls on the public to report any environmental polluting activities at the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727 which operates 24 hours a day or email to aduan_k@doe.gov.my via the DOE e-complaint portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my. -UKASnews