In Malaysia, open burning is prohibited and if found guilty, it could lead to a compound of a maximum of RM2000 or a fine of RM500,000 and/or jail time of not more than five years. With such heavy penalties, why is open burning still a problem?
Here’re a few key facts about open burning and its effects on our health and also the environment.
- In 2016, over 2000 cases of open burning was reported in Malaysia in the first eight months. That’s an average of 250 cases per month!
- Forest fires could stem from ‘slash and burn’, an agricultural practice where the land is set on fire as a way to clear it for new crops. This is a common practice in Indonesia but peat soil, when it is set on fire, is highly flammable which causes the fire to spread and is very difficult to put out.
- The practice of open burning in Indonesia has lead to haze that has affected neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore. Haze contains particulate matter which could lead to negative effects on our health.
- Particles in haze could affect the heart and lungs which is detrimental especially for those who have chronic lung and heart disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure.
- Open burning can lead to effects such as limited visibility due to the smoke in the air. This endangers people who are driving, air travel and also ships.
- In addition to environmental and health effects, open burning can lead to lowered productivity due to the closing of schools and businesses due to unhealthy air quality index. Tourism could also be affected due to haze which could affect our economy.
- Prevention of open burning can be done with a few simple steps such as: –
- Burying organic waste (food scraps or fruit peels) to turn into compost.
- Putting out cigarettes before properly disposing of them in the right receptacles.
- Agricultural waste, tree cuttings, and branches from farms and gardens should also be composted and turned into fertiliser.
- Practice recycling.
- Report to the authorities whenever you spot anyone practicing open burning.
References: Department of Environment Malaysia; The Guardian (UK); The Star.
