Put a stop to open burning

LETTERS: The government has warned of more hazy days ahead.

The possible causes are the resumption of full economic activities after the Covid-19 pandemic over the last three years, open burning and the impact of El-Nino in the coming months.

Doctors have warned that the haze can have serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with health conditions.

Fine particles in the haze can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing breathing problems and aggravating conditions such as asthma, and increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases.

The haze can lead to environmental and economic impacts.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has said the government is proactive in tackling the adverse weather conditions. He will soon convene a multiagency meeting to discuss measures that need to be taken to reduce the effects of dry weather and haze.

While it is inevitable that the haze will return, it is not inevitable that the rakyat will go back to their old ways. We must take steps to change our actions and behaviours to reduce the severity of bad weather.

While we welcome the return to pre-Covid-19 economic activities, let us take advantage of advances in technology to cut down on harmful emissions from factories and commercial transportation.

We have seen how the reduction of environmental pollutants during the pandemic caused rivers to return to their pristine levels and animals came out to roam the pollution-free streets that were deserted by humans.

But in some parts of the country, we see a return to old and unhealthy ways.

Therefore, it's time our enforcement officers swing into action to stop the irresponsible acts of people who do not care about the environment.

In Taman Maluri, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, for example, residents are facing a problem of open burning next to a recreational park, much to the chagrin of joggers and walkers. Children, adults and the elderly patronise this park daily.

We don't need special interagency meetings for enforcement officers to do what they were hired and trained to do: put a stop to this open burning nuisance.

Offenders should be severely dealt with according to the law.

In Penang, the state Environment Department was reported to be on the lookout for open burning. Similar concerns are expressed in Kelantan and Johor.

Here, again, education is the key. Our children should be educated on the importance of caring for our environment.

The more we don't care about the environment, the less it will care for us.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Kuala Lumpur

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times