PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government has activated the National Haze Action Plan following a drop in air quality across several west coast areas, including Johan Setia, Banting, Klang, and Shah Alam.
In a statement on Wednesday (Aug 26), Public Health and Environment State Executive Councillor Jamaliah Jamaluddin said local authorities will step up monitoring to curb open burning in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Offenders face fines between RM25,000 and RM1mil, imprisonment up to five years, or both under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, alongside daily fines for ongoing offences.
The state advised residents, particularly high-risk groups and those with respiratory issues, to minimise outdoor activities. Schools have been issued precautionary guidelines, with mandatory closures ordered for all schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres if the Air Pollutant Index (API) hits 200.
State Secretary Dato' Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin will chair a Disaster Management Committee meeting on Thursday (Aug 27) to finalise further mitigation measures based on updated weather projections. Residents are urged to report illegal open burning to the Department of Environment hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or the Fire and Rescue Department.
