THE Department of Environment (DOE) has prepared several measures mainly to address opening burning.

It said there are thunderstorms and heavy rains during the southwest monsoon, usually from May to September, but towards the tail end these are expected to decrease.

“During this dry weather, there are concerns that there will be an increase in open burning, especially in peatland areas and waste disposal sites,” the department said in a statement today.

The DOE added that emissions from industrial activities and vehicles also contribute to air deterioration, especially in the Klang Valley and industrial areas, but its analysis shows that open burning of biomass is the main cause of local smoke.

The DOE said it would increase land and drone patrols to prevent open burning, adding that action will be taken against landowners under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

The department intends to co-operation with the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to implement fire control measures, while monitoring the Air Pollutant Index.

According to the DOE, it will hold public awareness campaigns through community programmes, on social media and the media, targeting farmers and villagers.

Additionally, state and local governments as well as all landowners are advised to closely monitor fire prone areas and to take measures to prevent encroachment. – Bernama, May 7, 2023.