PUTRAJAYA: The Department of Environment (DoE) has been directed to increase enforcement and daily patrols in areas with the potential of open burning occurring, said Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
This follows the Kota Tinggi forest fire incident on Oct 15 involving 32 hectares of forest. Seventy per cent fire has been extinguished.
"All landowners have been advised to closely monitor all areas which easily and frequently catch fire," he said in a statement today.
Nik Nazmi said monitoring and observation carried out on the forest fire incident found that there was still smoke coming from the land's surface, and enforcement action will be taken against the landowner after an official search is made at the land office later.
He said the haze issue in the country was also mentioned in the Cabinet meeting yesterday, and he has communicated with the Education Ministry and Ministry of Health (MoH) to temporarily stop outdoor activities due to the deterioration of air quality in the country.
This was in line with the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) for air quality to be constantly monitored to ensure the agencies involved in haze disaster management can take more quick and responsive action.
Among the actions under the PTJK are activating the Disaster Management Committee which will be mobilised by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 150 for a period of more than 24 hours; stopping all activities outside the classrooms when the API reading exceeds 100; closing schools, kindergartens and nurseries when the API reading exceeds 200.
This is in line with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the MoH which applies to all and must be followed to avoid untoward incidents. Apart from this, cloud seeding operations will also be implemented if needed, he said.
At 1 pm today, Klang in Selangor recorded an unhealthy API reading of 153.
According to Nik Nazmi, although only Klang recorded an unhealthy API reading, the trend of air quality throughout the week showed that several areas often recorded unhealthy readings, especially in Peninsular Malaysia due to the movement of haze.
The Regional Haze Map, released by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on Oct 18, also found that the current wind movement in the southern part of ASEAN is from east to southeast, whereas in the next few days, the southern part of ASEAN will receive higher rainfall which will lead to a reduction in hotspots and haze.
In dealing with the haze issue, Nik Nazmi said Malaysia has entered into a bilateral agreement with Indonesia on haze prevention efforts on a government-to-government basis under the framework of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.
He said the NRECC will also examine the propriety of enacting the Bill on Transboundary Haze to deal with the haze crisis in the country.
It includes the feasibility of the law to be enacted, diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries as well as the implementation of similar acts by other countries to ensure that there is no waste of resources in enacting the act. He added that the NRECC could also examine the mechanism of instruments or other appropriate legislation to deal with the matter.
In facing the haze crisis, the public is urged to always be careful and sensitive to the air quality level in their respective areas and to take preventive steps to reduce the health effects of haze, including avoiding outdoor physical activities in order to reduce exposure to unhealthy air.
Those involved in open burning activities can be fined not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years or both as stipulated under Section 29(A), Environmental Quality Act 1974. They can also be fined a maximum compound of RM2,000 for each offence.
--BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Oct 19 2023
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said monitoring and observation carried out on the forest fire incident found that there was still smoke coming from the land's surface. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.