Avoid open burning or face the music - Wan Junaidi

The public have been cautioned not to conduct open burning during the current hot spell and weather which has hit several areas in the country or face the music.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said based on the report by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) issued yesterday, there were two hotspots detected in the country, namely in Pahang and Terengganu.

"Under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, any party found guilty of open burning can be imposed a maximum compound of RM2,000, or upon being charged in court, they can be fined up to RM500,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both," he said in a statement here tonight.

He also advised the public not to allow their properties or premises to be trespassed by any irresponsible quarters which could lead to open burning for certain purposes or by accident.

Commenting further on the report by ASMC, the minister said the transboundary haze caused by uncontrolled open burning in Indonesia typically occurred during the annual southwest monsoon which resulted in hot spell and weather.

"However, there is no incident of transboundary haze as no fire hotspots are detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan," said Wan Junaidi.

-- BERNAMA