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THE Department of Environment,
Parks and Recreation (DEPR) at the Ministry of Development, along with other
relevant authorities, are stepping up their patrols to counter open burning,
which is being rated as the number one cause of forest and bush fires in the
country for the past month.
The move comes in conjunction with a DEPR statement issued yesterday, warning
that any person found conducting any open burning activities may be fined up to
$100,000. The stiff penalty was introduced following a ban on open burning
brought into effect on August 4, 2009.
Under the Chapter 22 Penal Code Section 277A, open burning activities causing
pollution to the atmosphere or endangering human life or property will be given
an unlimited amount of fine and/or imprisonment of up to five years, the
statement said.
Brunei is currently experiencing a dry weather period with slightly hazy
conditions, a factor exacerbated by a total of 46 "hotspots" on Borneo being
detected by satellite imagery captured by the Asean Specialised Meteorological
Centre on Thursday.
The hotspots are mostly scattered in the northern and eastern parts of Borneo
near Sabah, Sarawak and East Kalimantan.
The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings of the air quality in Brunei as of
yesterday have been higher than normal.
The Belait District had the highest PSI reading in the country with a rating of
36. The reading for Brunei-Muara was 35, Tutong 31 and Temburong 26.
The DEPR assured that the air quality in Brunei was still generally "good" as
any PSI readings below 50 were still considered "good", while those between 50
and 100 are considered "moderate".
The department is encouraging the public to call their hotlines (8999900,
8837751, 8837741) at any time to file complaints or to report any open burning
activities discovered. For information on air quality, contact the department at
2383222 ext 514. The PSI readings can be obtained online at
www.env.gov.bn. |
