The dried grass at the Chinese cemetery along Jalan Thean Teik in Air Itam, Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: The dry conditions in the state have heightened the risk of fires breaking out, warns the Penang Environment Department.
Its director Norazizi Adinan said with the ongoing southwest monsoon bringing drier weather and reduced rainfall, dry grass and yellowing leaves have become prime fire hazards.
"The public is warned not to do any burning intentionally or unintentionally, like open burning or simply discarding cigarette butts," he said on Friday (Aug 9).
Norazizi said wind can quickly spread flames, turning a small spark into a major blaze.
He said open burning not only threatens to start fires but also deteriorates air quality, which can be particularly harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions, such as the elderly, those with breathing difficulties, and children.
Norazizi said from Jan to July, there have been 795 environmental complaints, with 634 related to air pollution.
This is a significant increase compared to 2023, which saw 981 complaints, with 700 concerning air pollution.
"Based on those numbers this year, there have been 431 open burning complaints in Penang from January to July 31.
"For the entire 2023, there were 478 cases," he said.
Norazizi reminded the public not to cause or allow open burning anywhere on their premises or land as this offence can be prosecuted under Section 29A(5) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Offenders could face a fine not less than RM25,000 and not more than RM1mil under the amended penalty.
"This is based on the recent Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024 which was enforced in July this year," he said.
To report environmental pollution, individuals can call the toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, email aduan_k@doe.gov.my, or use the portal at https://eaduan@doe.gov.my.
