THE state government, through the Natural Resources and Environment Board, has conducted investigations on developers or individuals who have committed the offence of open burning — nine investigation papers have been opened.
Urban Development and Resources Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh (pic) stated, “In addition to that, seven compounds totalling RM7,200 have been issued.
“The Department of Environment Sarawak also issued 10 compounds worth RM20,000 and opened one investigation paper for prosecution purposes.
“In the recently approved Natural Resources and Environment (Amendment) Bill 2019, we have also increased the compound to RM100,000,” he said in reply to Datuk Tiong Thai King (GPS-Dudong), yesterday.
Len also mentioned that the transboundary haze from Kalimantan, Indonesia and the haze that occurred in the Miri division in August and September contributed to the haze that plagued the state recently.
“For the transboundary haze, Asean countries have established the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution to draft a work plan in handling the matter. The federal government forwarded a diplomatic note to Indonesia on the haze.
“The state government also shared on prevention and control of haze with the Kalimantan Barat Province, as agreed in the Malaysian-Indonesia Socio-Economic Cooperation Agreement Annual Meeting.”
He added that the state government has set up four air quality monitoring stations in the state – Lawas, Lubok Antu, Tebedu and Lundu.
