Prohibition of Open Burning for the State of Sarawak

Smoke haze refers to a cloud of fine particles that occurs in the air as a result of open burning of large tracts of land. The consequence of sudden and severe smoke haze is the reduction or loss of visibility, impairment of human health, disruption of human economic activity, public order, government administration, school, and the cause of environmental disaster. Hence its management requires huge amount of resources, which must be efficient and effective and needs complex plan of action and lengthy time.

Therefore, the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance, Chapter 84 - Law of Sarawak prohibits open burning in order to protect the environment and public health. It is a legal requirement for all parties to comply with this Ordinance and take necessary measures to prevent open burning. Failure to comply with this law may result to a penalty of one hundred thousand ringgit (RM100,000.00) or imprisonment for five years or to both and, In the case of a continuing offence, is punishable with a further fine of not exceeding one thousand ringgit (RM1,000.00) in respect of every day during which the offence continues.

Let us all work together to preserve our environment and ensure a healthy future generation to come.