SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan Environment Department (DOE) received 100 complaints on open burning in the first three months of this year, up from 81 in the same period last year.
Its director Abdul Aziz Parmin described the increase as worrying amid the current hot and dry weather, which raises fire risks.
"Higher temperatures and reduced rainfall have made the environment more prone to fires, even from small sparks or minor burning activities.
"Open burning is strictly prohibited under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Section 29A), and stern action can be taken against offenders," he said when contacted on Monday (March 30).
He said open burning not only causes serious air pollution but also affects public health, especially among children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
Uncontrolled fires can also lead to localised haze, reducing visibility and air quality, while releasing high carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
"In addition, open burning destroys natural habitats, disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity," he said.
He urged the public to refrain from open burning and report such activities to the authorities for prompt action.
Earlier, the state Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Arifin Kamari said 205 open burning cases were recorded in the state from March 1 to 25, a 159.5% increase from 79 cases in the same period last year. - Bernama
