Higher fines for open burning

Those caught for open burning may be slapped with higher compounds.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Department is currently reviewing the Environment Quality Act 1974 with a view to having a stronger deterrent against open burning.

“The review will also be looking at other laws with regard to compounds issued for open burning,” its Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel told lawmakers when answering a question raised by Charles Santiago (DAP-Klang) at the Dewan Rakyat.

He added that talks are under way with the Attorney-General’s Chambers for the proposed amendments. He also said that a special task force will be set up under the ministry to address the issue of local open burning which worsened the air quality when there was cross-border haze from Indonesia.

At present, a maximum compound fine of RM2,000 is issued against those caught for open burning under the Environment Quality Act 1974.

On repeated open-burning incidents at the 4,000ha agricultural zone in Setia Johan in Selangor, Palanivel said the Department of Environment would take the culprits to court in future rather than merely issue compounds.