ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) has investigated two oil palm plantations in the Kulim district suspected of conducting open burning, which has led to a deterioration in air quality.
Its director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the department found that the Air Pollution Index (API) reading had reached an unhealthy level of over 100 yesterday.
"This reading was recorded at the Kulim Hi-Tech API Station CA05K, and the department also received several complaints from the public regarding the unsatisfactory air quality. Acting on the information, an investigation was carried out at the reported locations near Taman Kulim Utama, Kulim.
"Investigations found that the smoke originated from open burning involving several piles of oil palm biomass waste at two locations, namely an oil palm plantation adjacent to Fasa Baru Kulim Utama and near Kampung Sungai Ular," she said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 5).
She added that the Kedah DOE subsequently informed the Kulim Hi-Tech Fire and Rescue Department of the incident, and the fires were extinguished.
"The latest API reading at 8am today at the Kulim Hi-Tech Station was 82 (moderate), with the dominant pollutant being PM2.5 (fine dust). Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 at high or unhealthy levels can cause discomfort and health effects.
"Kedah DOE will continue to monitor the API reading in Kulim, which is expected to decrease further following the extinguishing of the fire. The investigation is being conducted under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974," she said.
Sharifah Zakiah said the public can channel complaints regarding pollution or open burning activities via the 24-hour toll-free line 1-800-88-2727 or via email at aduan_k@doe.gov.my or the DOE e-complaint portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my. - Bernama
