SHAH ALAM, 26 June: Individuals who intentionally or not perform open burning on their own land will face their land being seized to control the haze problem that is currently happening.
The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that two districts have been identified, Klang and Kuala Langat, and the forms for land seizure has been issued.
He said that a special department, through local authorities, which has been tasked to monitor open fires, has identified areas that contribute to the problem.
“At the moment, Klang and Kuala Langat are the two areas identified and I will officially issue the list of lands currently in the seizure process tomorrow (today),” he said during a press conference after the Executive Council Meeting at the SUK Building yesterday.
Abdul Khalid also reminded the people in the state, especially landowners, to be responsible for their assets and to monitor so that open burning does not often recur.
“The State Government wants to remind the people, if there is rampant open burning and it often happens at the same place, we will apply the land seizure process.
“It does not mean that the State Government will seize it just because it burns. What we mean is for land that often burns because it will worsen the haze, especially during this hot season.
“We have taken decision because landlords involved are responsible to protect the interests of their assets,” he said.
In the report from the Fire and Rescue Department, 49 open fires have been detected in Selangor that is contributing to the haze.
NS
