Haze: DOE Deploys Ground Patrol, Drone Surveillance To Curb Open Burning

PUTRAJAYA, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Department of Environment (DOE) has carried out 4,184 ground patrols and 645 drone flights since the beginning of the year to monitor open burning activities that may contribute to haze.

DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said during the same period, the department has issued 58 notices of instruction, initiated 27 court actions, and imposed 59 compounds on parties found guilty of offences related to open burning.

“The DOE has intensified enforcement actions and daily patrols in areas with high potential for open burning, while continuously monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan have been activated to coordinate government agency efforts in addressing open burning and managing the country’s haze situation.

“All landowners are advised to closely monitor areas prone to fire, such as landfills, forests, peatlands, plantations, agricultural zones, and industrial sites.

“They must also take proactive steps to prevent trespassing by irresponsible parties, which could lead to open burning, either deliberately or unintentionally,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wan Abdul Latiff said the API published on the DOE’s website as of 3 pm today showed that five areas recorded good air quality, while 61 areas recorded moderate levels.

“Two areas, Kuching, Sarawak, and Johan Setia, Selangor, recorded unhealthy API levels today.

“The air quality deterioration in these areas is still influenced by transboundary haze, with no major local fires contributing to the situation,” he added.

An API reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is moderate, 101-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and readings above 300 are considered hazardous.

-- BERNAMA