KUALA LUMPUR – The government has issued a letter calling for Malaysian plantation companies with operations in Indonesia to ensure that they do not practice open burning to avoid transboundary haze.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the initiative is due to how open burning in forests and peatlands is the main cause of transboundary haze in the region.
“I have issued a letter to Malaysian plantation companies, their subsidiaries, and Malaysian firms operating in Indonesia, urging them to take the necessary measures against open burning in plantations.
“Relevant efforts will also be continued with the Foreign Ministry through its offices in Indonesia. These efforts will be communicated to my counterpart in Indonesia,” Nik Nazmi said in a statement today.
He added that the measures are part of the ministry’s preparation to face the ongoing northwest monsoon season coupled with the nation’s tendency to annually experience hot weather from August to September, increasing the risk of forest and peatland fires.
Besides that, he also said that the government has put in place plans to prevent activities in Malaysia that could lead to haze, with the action plan against open burning having commenced in April and operations to prevent peatland fires beginning in March.
The Environment Department is also monitoring air quality through 65 automated monitoring stations, while the Meteorological Department has improved its fire danger rating system, which has been used by Asean countries since 2003.
“All Asean countries are urged to use the system to allow comprehensive preventive measures and preparations against transboundary haze.
“The public is advised not to conduct open burning and to ensure vacant land is not trespassed on and used for open burning activities,” he added.
Individuals found guilty of open burning-related offences under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 can be fined up to RM500,000, imprisoned for up to five years or both if found guilty. – August 30, 2023
