JOHOR BARU: The Johor Environment Department (DOE) is patrolling areas to check on open burning due to the haze affecting several districts in the state.
Its director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff said the department deployed 20 enforcement officers and their focus was on peatland areas.
“Patrols are carried out daily, especially in peatland areas in Muar and industrial areas in Pengerang and Pasir Gudang.
“This is because fires that occur in peatlands are difficult to extinguish and take a considerable amount of time to put out.
“Moreover, they release a large amount of smoke. That is why our patrols are primarily focused on areas like these,” he said when asked about measures taken to mitigate the effects of haze in the state.
Mohd Famey said a total of 395 cases of open burning were recorded in Johor between January and September.
He said most of these cases occurred in residential areas, where residents conducted small-scale burning and immediate warning notices were issued.
“We also monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) constantly. The public should download the MyIPU application to stay updated with real-time API readings,” Mohd Famey added.
As at 3pm yesterday, the API readings in Segamat were 153, Batu Pahat (161), Larkin (152) and Tangkak (154), which were unhealthy, while Pasir Gudang (96) was moderate. — Bernama
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