KUCHING: While the risk of bushfires is always present, especially during the dry season, it can be avoided and controlled via enforcement by the authorities and, most importantly, the awareness and self-compliance of the public to not carry out open burning.
In saying this, Sarawak Department of Environment (DoE) director Hamzah Mohamad advised the public to refrain from open burning, particularly during the current hot and dry weather conditions.
“We have to take care of our health, especially for asthmatics, children, and the elderly as well as those with respiratory problems.
“Furthermore, the country is now plagued by the Covid-19 pandemic, so let’s not worsen the local air quality by burning,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He also called upon the public to work together to put out small fires as well as report incidents of open burning or fire to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) at 999, Talian Talikhidmat at 082-555999, or DoE at their toll-free line 1-800-88-2727.
Alternatively, he said the relevant local authority could be contacted for cases of fire in residential areas in their respective areas.
“The public can also view the Air Pollutant Index and the latest information on air status through the DoE portal at www.doe.gov.my and through the ‘MyIPU’ smartphone application.”
Hamzah said each open burning complaint received would be investigated under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, adding that each offence could be compounded RM2,000 and if convicted in court, the offender shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.
“The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and local authorities also conduct investigations and actions related to open burning in their respective jurisdictions.”
He said DoE had always taken proactive measures to reduce the incidence of open burning, including activating and increasing joint enforcement involving various agencies in Sarawak to conduct patrol activities for the purpose of monitoring and enforcement, especially in fire prone areas.
“DoE also conducts on-going joint operations or investigations with NREB and local councils to tackle the issue of open burning.
“We also activate awareness campaigns, especially through local radio and social media to urge the public to refrain from engaging in activities that could contribute to open burning.”
Apart from that, he said the department distributed leaflets on the prohibition of open burning to local farmers to remind them of the dangers of open burning, particularly during the dry season.
Another measure undertaken, Hamzah said, was streamlining the system and communication channels for receiving complaints from the public.
“DoE collaborates with state and federal government agencies such as the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Bomba, NREB, Resident’s Offices, District Offices, and local authorities.”
