KUALA LUMPUR: Intensified enforcement efforts are needed to combat the recurring haze and illegal open burning, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the worsening air quality poses grave risks to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions.
"The haze does not just affect health, it disrupts daily life, reduces visibility and damages our international environmental reputation," he said on Monday (July 21).
A key contributor to the haze, he noted, is open burning, which remains widespread despite being prohibited by law.
"The practice, often used for land clearing, agriculture or careless waste disposal, continues to thrive.
"We urge authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal burning, especially during periods when haze conditions are critical.
"This is not the time for half-measures. Ground patrols must be intensified, drones should be deployed for surveillance and satellite data should be fully leveraged to detect and swiftly respond to fire hotspots," he said.
He also called for legal action to be taken without exception against offenders, including landowners and companies.
"We need heavier penalties, fines, land seizure, and even suspension of business operations for repeat offenders," he added.
Beyond enforcement, Lee stressed the importance of community engagement and public awareness.
"The Environment Department and local authorities should collaborate more closely with residents to educate them on the dangers and illegality of open burning.
"A dedicated hotline should be set up to allow the public to report open burning quickly and easily. The community must be empowered to be part of the solution," he said.
