New SOP to tackle open burning, says minister
KLANG: A new standard operating procedure (SOP) will be drafted to address open burning, especially in areas with peat soil like Johan Setia, said Energy, Green Technology, Science and Climate Change Minister Yeoh Bee Yin.
She said the SOP, which will be drafted within a month, would focus on an action plan to prevent open burning and the type of action to be taken in case of a fire.
“We need to have one SOP that can be applied throughout the country if the situation is similar (involving open burning).
“The SOP is required to reduce the risk associated with open burning, especially in peat soil areas,” she said after a townhall session with Johan Setia residents regarding the issue here yesterday.
Present were Department of Environment director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Kamarul Najuib Che Ibrahim and Sungai Kandis assemblyman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni.
Yeoh said open burning had been a major problem for Klang residents for the past 10 years, especially those staying in Johan Setia and the Revolusi Hijau agricultural area.
She said action would be taken against landowners involved in open burning.
She said environmental laws, especially those concerning open burning, would be amended to ensure preventive and enforcement measures were taken.