Open Burning
Provisions under the Waste Collection, Removal & Disposal By-Laws (MBSJ) 2007- UUK 16, UUKPPPSS (MBSJ) 2007
Conducting open burning (for premises without a license/anywhere found)
Action:
Notice of Offer of Compound (NTK): RM 1,000.00
Provisions under the Department of Environment, Section 29AA(2) of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2001, state that areas throughout the State of Selangor are prohibited from open burning EXCEPT cremation, burning for religious purposes, grills/barbecues and burning flammable gas (flaring).
If convicted, the following may be imposed:
i. Compound: RM 2,000 per fire pile
ii. Fine: RM 500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both.
Large fires can occur simply from cigarette butts in dry or windy weather, not to mention when irresponsible residents burn trash in the open in their homes.
i. The environment becomes hazy;
ii. The air becomes dirty or dusty due to increased carbon dioxide and pollutants;
iii. Visibility is reduced and can be dangerous to road users;
iv. Health disorders such as fatigue, eye and skin pain, especially for babies, children, the elderly and patients with fatigue;
v. Disruption of daily activities; and
vi. Destruction of property.
How to Avoid Being Involved in Open Burning Activities
i. Compost Fertilizer - Agricultural waste such as tree prunings, wooden branches and dry leaves decompose naturally into plant fertilizer;
ii. Wood chips are reused or sent to an approved garbage dump;
iii. Organic waste such as food waste should be planted and decomposed to be used as organic fertilizer;
iv. Make sure the fire is extinguished before throwing away cigarette butts
Department of Environment (DOE) Website
Selangor Department of Environment Line: 03-5521 4000
Contact the Environmental Management Department Complaints Division
03-8026 7433