Kuantan: The National Open Burning Action Plan (PTPTK) has been activated to enable all parties to increase monitoring of open burning which can cause haze, affect air quality, and public health. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated that the plan was activated on February 21 to enable ministries, departments, relevant agencies, and state governments to take precautionary measures and prevent open burning.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Implementing the Peatland Fire Prevention Programme to Overcome Haze in Malaysia has also been activated by the Department of Environment (DOE) since February 26. The DOE has increased enforcement actions and monitoring activities via land and air using drones, as well as monitoring air pollution index (API) readings regularly. Coordination between relevant agencies to plan fire extinguishing and control works has also been carried out.
Nik Nazmi explained that extinguishing efforts are being actively conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) through firefighting, water bombing, and flooding works in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). This follows the API in Balok Baru, Kuantan, Pahang, recording unhealthy readings due to a peatland fire at the Cherating Coconut Plantation.
In response to API readings reaching 201 to 300 in Balok Baru yesterday, the DOE has issued Warning Notification Notes 3A and 3B to the National Disaster Control Centre (NDCC) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for the announcement of Disaster Operational Preparedness Notices at the state and district levels. This announcement is intended to enable the District or State Disaster Management Committee to be activated and ensure that actions can be taken in accordance with the National Haze Action Plan.
Nik Nazmi mentioned he would chair the National Haze and Dry Weather Main Committee Meeting No. 1 of 2025 tomorrow. This meeting will report on the latest status of weather conditions, air quality, and serve as a platform for planning actions and strategies to prevent open burning and haze. The issue of fires that occurred in the coconut farm in Cherating, Kuantan, Pahang, and related coordination actions will also be discussed in this meeting.
The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged residents around Balok Baru, especially those with respiratory problems, to be cautious following the air pollution in the area.