SHAH ALAM, Aug 26 — All local authorities (PBT) in Selangor have been urged to step up monitoring to prevent open burning following unhealthy air quality recorded in several areas across the state.
State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the move followed the activation of the National Haze Action Plan by the Department of Environment (DOE), approved by the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) at its meeting today.
She said strict action would be taken against those involved in open burning under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“If convicted, offenders can be fined up to RM1 million or jailed for up to five years, or both. They may also face an additional fine of up to RM5,000 a day for continuing offences after a notice has been issued,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah also urged the public to report any open burning activities through the Selangor DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via the DOE eAduan application.
She said Selangor state secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin would chair a State Disaster Management Committee meeting tomorrow to discuss further measures to reduce the impact of haze on the public.
Meanwhile, Jamaliah advised the public to minimise outdoor activities unless necessary, especially those with respiratory-related health issues.
“Schools statewide have been issued notices outlining precautionary measures to protect students, particularly those in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceed 100.
“Schools, kindergartens and childcare centres must be closed if API readings reach 200,” she said.
As of 8am today, 17 areas in six states and two Federal Territories recorded unhealthy API readings.
According to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, five areas in Selangor recorded readings above 100 - Johan Setia and Shah Alam (158 respectively), Klang (151), Banting (144) and Petaling Jaya (123). — Bernama
