Stop open burning or face hefty fine

The public could be slapped with a hefty fine for carrying out open burning, especially during the current hot and dry weather.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said in a statement Tuesday that they must also not allow their land to be encroached upon by irresponsible parties to carry out open burning.

Open burning carries a fine of up to RM500,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

A compound fine of up to RM2,000 can also be imposed on each offence.

Until yesterday, a total of 4,363 open burning cases were detected involving agricultural areas with 1,433 cases, bush land (1,001 cases), forest areas (897), construction sites (132 cases), industrial areas (34), landfills (69) and small open burning cases (797).

Members of the public are advised to report cases of open burning or fires to the Fire and Rescue Services Department at the emergency number of 999 and Department of Environment toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727.