THE Environment Department has been directed to strengthen enforcement and daily patrols in areas in which open burning was likely, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said.

This came after the Kota Tinggi forest fire on October 15, which razed 22ha. Seventy percent of the fire has been extinguished.

“All landowners have been advised to closely monitor areas that easily and frequently catch fire,” he said in a statement today.

Nik Nazmi said observations of the forest fire in Kota Tinggi showed there was still smoke being produced, and action would be taken against the landowner after an official search at the land office.

He said he has spoken with the Education Ministry and Health Ministry about halting outdoor activities due to deteriorating air quality.

He said this was in line with the National Haze Action Plan to ensure agencies involved in smog-related disaster management could respond more quickly.

At 1pm today, Klang recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 153.

Nik Nazmi said although only Klang recorded an unhealthy API reading today, the air quality throughout the week showed several areas often had poor air quality, especially in Peninsular Malaysia, due to the movement of smoke.

The Regional Haze Map, released by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) yesterday, found that wind in southern Asean was blowing from east to southeast, and the region would receive more rain that would reduce open burning hotspots and smog.

Nik Nazmi said Malaysia has entered a bilateral agreement with Indonesia on smog prevention efforts under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

He said those involved in open burning could be fined not more than RM500,000, imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years, or both, as stipulated under section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. They could also be fined a maximum of RM2,000 for each offence. – Bernama, October 19, 2023.