REPORTS BY IMRAN HILMY , RAHIMY RAHIM , SIRA HABIBU, DIYANA PFORDTEN and ILI AQILAH
PETALING JAYA: Climate experts are warning that the approaching dry weather will provide a conducive environment for open burning in the country.
Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said during dry conditions – brought about by the absence of rain for several weeks – biomass materials exposed from illegal open burning could contribute to haze and cause serious health effects.
“It is timely that the government is acting to prevent open burning at this time, ” he said.
Malaysian Nature Society president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail lauded the government’s move and called on all relevant agencies to work together to have zero open burning in the country.
“It is a good idea that the government is thinking of improvements now.
“Open burning is illegal but the government has allowed the burning of padi stalks in Kedah.
“All local authorities must monitor their landfill sites and ensure that there are no cases of open burning, ” he said.
He added that collectors of items for recycling sometimes burned waste to get metals.
“Other areas such as peat swamp forests must also be monitored.”
Calling for swift action on
hotspots for open burning, Prof Ahmad said: “The catastrophic forest fire in Brazil and bushfires in Australia recently should serve as a lesson for the government to be more proactive in curbing open burning.”
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