PUTRAJAYA: The Environment Department (DOE) has opened an investigation into parties suspected of carrying out open burning in connection with a forest fire in a peatland area at Kampung Baru, Kuala Abang in Dungun, Terengganu, on Wednesday (April 22).
The DOE said it views the forest fire incident in the peatland area seriously and that an investigation has been initiated under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"The department would like to stress that if the investigation finds any offences that violate the law, firm action will be taken under Section 29A of the Act
"If found guilty, offenders may be fined not less than RM25,000 and not exceeding RM1mil, or imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years, or both,” the department said in a statement on Monday (April 27).
It added that it carried out an investigation at the incident site after receiving information about the fire, which involved approximately 32ha of government reserve land.
"The fire has produced thick smoke that could potentially affect air quality and impact nearby residents and sensitive areas, including several educational institutions," it said.
DOE said it had also taken several measures, including continuous air quality monitoring through the installation of portable monitoring equipment near the fire location.
"To date, Terengganu DOE has installed one unit of monitoring equipment at SK Kampung Baru Kuala Abang, Dungun, and an additional unit in the affected area.
"The department has also provided air pollutant index (API) readings to relevant parties, including the district office and the district education office.
"The API reading in the affected area as of 8am today was 88, which is at a moderate level.
"The DOE is also monitoring the fire using drones to assess the extent of the affected area, and is working closely with the Fire and Rescue Department and other agencies in efforts to control and put out the fire," it added.
The department also advised the public to stop open burning activities, especially during hot and dry conditions that could accelerate the spread of fires. – Bernama
