Malaysia: Environment Ministry calls for freeze on open burning permits; cites dry monsoon

MOHD ROJI KAWI New Straits Times 26 Jun 17;

PETRA JAYA: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has instructed forest authorities nationwide to temporarily freeze the issuance of open burning permits as a preventive measure against the recurrence of the haze.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the move is made in light of the unusually dry monsoon season, which is expected to cast its spell over several parts of country beginning next month.

Open burning, said Junaidi, will only compound the situation and contribute to haze since the dry spell is expected to last until October.

“At the same time, Indonesian authorities have given their assurance that they will monitor (open burning) in their territory.

“In the past, open burning in Indonesia had triggered transboundary haze and affected Malaysia.

“We respect the commitment from Indonesian authorities and we should also do our part to stop haze from recurring,” the Santubong MP told reporters when met at his Hari Raya open house here today.