PUTRAJAYA: The number of hotspots recorded in the country and Indonesia have reduced significantly.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said a total of 10 hotspots were identified in Sumatra and 15 in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Previously, 48 and 32 hotspots were recorded in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia, respectively as identified on satellite images by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).
Palanivel said in a statement today that there was only one hotspot that was identified in the country, and it was at Sarawak.
He added that this hotspot would be investigated and necessary enforcement action would be taken.
As of 3pm, only 10 areas recorded moderate air quality on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
Among these areas were Bakar Arang, Sungai Petani, Kedah (56); Kampung Air Putih, Taiping, Perak (53); ILP Miri, Sarawak (63); Sri Aman, Sarawak (67); and Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (64).
Palanivel reminded the public that open burning was prohibited with the exception of religious activities, cremations or barbecues.
He added that the Department of Environment (DOE) had detected 4,436 open burning in the country from January to Aug 6, and 324 cases were compounded while 115 cases were issued with warning notices.
It was also learnt that 45 open burning cases would be referred for further action.
Five of them have been registered in the Sessions Court.