Malaysia: 43 to face rap for open burning

New Straits Times 14 Jul 14;

PUTRAJAYA: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has opened 43 investigation papers on open burning to be produced in court for legal action.

Its minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the ministry had slapped 303 compounds for open burning and issued 94 warning letters from January until July 12.

He said 4,371 cases had been recorded so far this year — 897 cases in forest areas, 1,433 in agricultural areas, 34 cases in industrial areas, 897 cases in construction sites, and 69 cases involving landfills, 1,003 cases in bush areas while 803 involved small open burning cases.

“We will beef up enforcement during the haze season, which could lead to arrests of individuals believed to be responsible for committing offences.”

Palanivel said a provision in the act allowed the ministry’s officers to arrest individuals without the need for a warrant, adding that some 194 officers had been given training and special authorisation letters to enforce the provision.

Those convicted face a maximum fine of RM500,000 and five years’ jail. The ministry could also impose RM2,000 fine for smaller offences.

Air quality drops to moderate level in more areas
The Star 15 Jul 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: The air quality in four more areas in the country dropped to the moderate level on Tuesday, raising to 24 the number of places with such air quality compared to Monday.

The highest moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 67 was recorded in Kg Air Putih in Ipoh, according to the Department of Environment (DoE) portal.

It gave the API readings for the other places as Seberang Jaya 2, Perai (65), Bakar Arang, Sg Petani (64), Nilai, Port Klang and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (60), Jalan Tasek, Ipoh and Seri Manjung (59), Pasir Gudang and the Historical City of Malacca (58), Perai (57), USM (56), Banting and SK Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (55), Bukit Rambai, Port Dickson, Shah Alam and Kemaman (54), Tanah Merah (53), Kuala Selangor and Petaling Jaya (52), and Muar, Alor Star and Tanjung Malim (51).

An API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy and over 301, hazardous.

Members of the public can refer to the DOE portal at http://www.doe.gov.my to find out the API reading for their areas. - Bernama