Open burning fuel persistent Johan Setia haze [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Open burning on farms and at illegal dumpsites is contributing to persistent haze in Kampung Johan Setia, Klang, where the Air Pollutant Index (API) has remained in the "unhealthy" range since August.

Previous reports showed that the village's API first entered the "unhealthy" range on Aug 8 at 153, before reaching 192 in September and again on Oct 14.

Village head Muhamad Zaki Che Deris said the 2,428ha village had extensive plantation activities.

Sungai Kandis assemblyman Wan Dzahanurin Ahmad said open burning, including on farms, remained a recurring problem in the area.

"The issue in Kampung Johan Setia is open burning, which also involves farms, including those run by foreigners, as previously reported in the press and raised in the state assembly."

He said open burning was also taking place in nearby areas, such as Kampung Sijangkang and Teluk Panglima Garang.

"The air quality problem in Kampung Johan Setia is also caused by open burning at illegal dumpsites in nearby areas such as Sijangkang and Teluk Panglima Garang," he told the New Straits Times.

He added that the area's peat soil made it prone to recurring fires.

Dzahanurin said Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin had told the state assembly in August that efforts were underway to flood the peatland in Kampung Johan Setia and its surroundings following frequent open burning.

"The Selangor Environment Department and local authorities have also been carrying out monitoring and risk assessments at illegal dumpsites and around the peatland as a measure to prevent open burning.

"Peat fire prevention efforts have also received the support of the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department to ensure fires do not spread and that large-scale fires do not occur."

Dzahanurin said the haze was not merely a local problem.

"The haze affecting our country is not only a national issue, but also a transboundary disaster that requires diplomatic commitment between governments, as the problem stems from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia."

Meanwhile, the Klang Royal City Council has stepped up monitoring and enforcement in the village following reports of open burning linked to agricultural activities.

Councillor Muhammad Azwan Adam said the council's Pantas Squad (Quick Reaction Team) was on standby round the clock, focusing on late nights and early mornings, when illegal burning was most likely to occur.

The rapid-response unit, formed by local authorities and government agencies to handle emergencies and disasters, is focusing on agricultural and peat areas at risk of catching fire.

Azwan said every public complaint about haze, thick smoke or fires would receive immediate attention, with the squad sent to identify the cause and assist in initial firefighting, including tackling small fires involving shrubs and agricultural waste.

The squad also provides support to the Fire and Rescue Department and Department of Environment to ensure swift and effective action on the ground, he said.

"The public is advised to stay alert on the current situation, refrain from open burning and report any fires to the authorities immediately.

"Public cooperation is crucial to prevent fires from spreading, reduce air pollution and protect residents' safety."