Selangor: All local authorities (PBT) in Selangor have been urged to step up monitoring to prevent open burning following unhealthy air quality recorded in several areas across the state. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the move followed the activation of the National Haze Action Plan by the Department of Environment (DOE), approved by the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) at its meeting today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, strict action would be taken against those involved in open burning under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Offenders, if convicted, can face fines up to RM1 million or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. They may also incur an additional fine of RM5,000 per day for ongoing offences after a notice has been issued.

Jamaliah also encouraged the public to report any open burning activities through the Selangor DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via the DOE eAduan application. Selangor state secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin is set to chair a State Disaster Management Committee meeting tomorrow to discuss further measures to mitigate the haze's impact on the public.

Furthermore, Jamaliah advised the public to minimise outdoor activities unless necessary, particularly for those with respiratory-related health issues. Notices have been issued to schools statewide, outlining precautionary measures to protect students, especially in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceed 100. Schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres are mandated to close if API readings reach 200.

As of 8 am today, 17 areas in six states and two Federal Territories recorded unhealthy API readings. Data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal indicated that five areas in Selangor recorded readings above 100, with Johan Setia and Shah Alam at 158 each, Klang at 151, Banting at 144, and Petaling Jaya at 123.