Malaysian companies in Indonesia issued letters on open burning prevention measures

PUTRAJAYA: The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry has sent letters to Malaysian plantation companies, subsidiaries, and Malaysian-linked companies operating in Indonesia, instructing them on measures to prevent open burning in plantation areas. The ministry aims to remind these companies of the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid plantation and peat fires, which are the main cause of trans-boundary haze pollution in the region. In a statement released on August 30th, Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad highlighted the ongoing efforts to prevent open burning and cross-border haze, including collaborations with the Foreign Ministry through their representative offices in Indonesia.

Nik Nazmi further mentioned that the government has implemented various measures to combat open burning, such as activating the National Open Burning Action Plan on April 2, 2023. Additionally, they have increased patrols and air monitoring in high-risk and fire-prone areas using drones, as well as continuously monitoring air quality through 65 automated stations of the Environment Department (DOE).

The minister also emphasized the need for the public to refrain from open burning and to prevent their land or premises from being encroached upon by irresponsible parties, as this could lead to unintentional or intended open burning. He referred to records from the DOE, stating that 57 compound notices were issued between January 1 and August 28, 2023, with two cases undergoing court proceedings under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

Nik Nazmi noted that these preventive measures are crucial due to the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 15 and is expected to continue until September. The monsoon season is projected to bring reduced rainfall and drier weather to the country. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in a statement on May 9, declared that the Southwest Monsoon would result in lower rainfall in most areas during this period. The consistency of the wind blowing from the southwest, coupled with lower air humidity and a more stable atmospheric condition, will cause less cloud formation.

Regarding the Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS), which has been utilized by ASEAN countries since 2003, Nik Nazmi mentioned the improvements made by MetMalaysia. The system now includes a seven-day forecast to monitor the potential occurrence and intensity of fires. According to the MetMalaysia website, FDRS is a system that assesses the risk of forest or vegetation fires and provides information to assist in fire management. The FDRS products are useful for predicting fire behavior and offering guidance to policymakers in developing strategies to protect life, property, and the environment. – Bernama