KUALA LUMPUR: As a proactive measure, the Department of Environment (DOE) has intensified ground patrols and physical monitoring in fire-prone areas, particularly agricultural lands, peatlands, bush areas, abandoned plantations and landfills identified as high-risk.
DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department has been conducting patrols and enforcement operations to prevent open burning, which contributes to haze, especially during the current hot and dry spell.
“Since July 8, 2025, the delegation of authority to various enforcement agencies has come into effect. This strategic initiative is aimed at strengthening enforcement actions on the ground, particularly in addressing the issue of open burning, which contributes to haze situations.
“This delegation of authority allows swift, integrated and more comprehensive actions to be implemented quickly by the relevant agencies,” he said in a statement yesterday.
As of July 21, 2025, the DOE had conducted 4,121 ground patrols and 640 drone surveillance operations. Enforcement actions included 58 directives, 27 court proceedings and 59 compounds issued against parties found to have committed open burning offences this year.
Wan Abdul Latiff said that for improved preparedness and coordination, the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan were activated on Feb 26 to streamline agency responses nationwide.
“In addition, joint patrols and monitoring efforts are also being conducted with strategic partner agencies such as the Civil Defence Force (CDF) and other enforcement agencies at the state and district levels,” he said.
He urged the public not to engage in any form of open burning, particularly for agricultural purposes such as land clearing, waste disposal or use of abandoned land.
“Stern action will be taken against individuals or parties found to be in violation of Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Offenders convicted of open burning can be fined up to RM1 million or imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
“In addition, a compound of up to 50 per cent of the maximum fine may be imposed for each offence,” he said.
“At the same time, all operators of industries such as quarries, palm oil mills, premix plants and other industrial sectors are required to ensure their air pollution control systems are functioning properly. Emissions from chimneys must be constantly monitored and controlled to prevent air pollution that could affect public health,” he said.
He added that the DOE remained committed to enhancing monitoring and enforcement efforts, while collaborating with stakeholders to maintain national air quality standards.
“Members of the public who witness or suspect open burning incidents can channel information to the DOE via the toll-free hotline 1-800-88-2727, e-mail [email protected], or through the official MyJAS EQMS mobile app,” he said.– BERNAMA
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