24/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 24, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Enforcement stepped up to curb open burning

Probe into catering firm with no halal certification

Areas recording unhealthy API readings current haze alert: moderate (API 51 - 100 : MODERATE )

Ahmad Zaiyadi Sudin said 740 of the complaints were about stray dogs, while 201 involved pet dogs, mainly in the Ipoh area. “The number of complaints is high. Some involved dog bites, and if I’m not mistaken, there has been at least one fatal case. There are also concerns over diseases and other risks. “When stray dogs are caught, they are kept at the impound centre for three days. Anyone who comes forward to claim them, needs to pay a fine,” he said. – Bernama NILAI: The Islamic Development Department is gathering detailed information following the appointment of a catering company without halal certification to supply meals to patients at a hospital. Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the department aims to find the best approach and would collaborate with relevant parties to ensure the matter could be addressed collectively in an amicable manner. “There may be confusion or misunderstanding, which is why we are gathering further information and investigating. We are not looking to blame any party. “The deparatment only became aware of this issue after it was mentioned in the Auditor-General’s Report,” he said after launching the 2025 Halal and Fatwa Seminar organised by the Institute of Fatwa and Halal, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia on Tuesday. Sirajuddin said the department would also explore the most suitable solution to address the appointment of companies without halal certification to operate catering services, including at government premises. Sirajuddin added that halal certification inspections at such premises fall under the jurisdiction of the appointing agency, and the Finance Ministry has stipulated that all food suppliers must have halal certification. On another matter, Sirajuddin said the department received 19,686 applications for the halal certification last year. Earlier in his speech, Sirajuddin highlighted that Malaysia must move towards a halal certification system that is digitalised, founded on integrity and has the capacity to handle cross-border issues. – Bernama

relevant agencies,” he said in a statement. He added that as of July 21, DOE had conducted 4,121 ground patrols and 640 drone surveillance operations. In terms of enforcement action, DOE issued 58 directives, initiated 27 court actions and imposed 59 compounds on parties found to have committed open burning offences this year. Wan Abdul Latiff said for better preparedness and coordination, the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan had also been activated since Feb 26 to coordinate government agency response in addressing open burning and managing haze situations in the country, Bernama reported. “In addition, joint patrols and monitoring efforts are also being conducted with strategic partner agencies such as the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and other enforcement agencies at the state and district levels.” He also urged the public not to carry out any form of open burning, particularly for agricultural purposes such as land clearing, disposal of agricultural waste or managing abandoned land. “Stern action will be taken against individuals or parties found to be in violation of Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Offenders convicted of open burning can be fined up to RM1 million or imprisoned for up to five years, or both. “In addition, a compound of up to 50% of the maximum fine may be imposed for each offence,” he said. “All operators of industries such as quarries, palm oil mills, premix

plants and other industrial sectors are required to ensure that their air pollution control systems are functioning properly. Emissions from chimneys must be constantly monitored and controlled to prevent air pollution that could affect public health,” he said. He added that DOE remains committed to enhancing monitoring and enforcement as well as collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that the country’s air quality remains under control. “Anyone who suspects open burning incidents can channel information to DOE via the toll-free hotline 1-800-88-2727, e-mail aduan@doe.gov.my, or through the official MyJAS EQMS mobile app,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: As a proactive haze preventive measure, the Environment Department (DOE) has intensified ground patrols and physical monitoring in fire-prone areas, particularly agricultural sites, peatlands, bush areas, abandoned plantations and landfills identified as high-risk. DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department had been conducting patrols and enforcement operations to prevent open burning, which contributes to the haze, especially in the current hot and dry weather. “Since July 8, the delegation of authority to various enforcement agencies has come into effect. This strategic initiative is aimed at strengthening enforcement action on the ground, particularly in addressing the issue of open burning, which contributes to haze situations. “This delegation of authority allows swift, integrated and more comprehensive action to be implemented quickly by the o Proactive measures include intensifying ground patrols, physical monitoring of high risk areas and activating action plans to manage haze situation: DOE

*As of 5PM - July 23

Port Dickson, NEGERI SEMBILAN

94 89 89 87 87 85 83 82 81 79

Kuala Selangor, SELANGOR

Alor Gajah, MALACCA

Batu Muda, W.P KUALA LUMPUR

Petaling Jaya, SELANGOR Nilai, NEGERI SEMBILAN

Klang, SELANGOR

Bukit Rambai, MALACCA

Banting, SELANGOR

Putrajaya, W.P PUTRAJAYA

Source: DOE Malaysia / APIMS

Wan Abdul Latiff said DOE is collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that the country’s air quality remains under control. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Perak mulls legal action over allegations involving stray dogs IPOH: The Perak government is considering legal action against parties believed to have misled the public following recent enforcement action by local authorities related to stray dogs. State Housing and Local to act against those who issue false statements. We are reviewing the matter from a legal standpoint before taking further action. “We want all parties to belonging to the Ipoh City Council, prompting strong reactions from netizens. On Tuesday, the council denied claims that the dogs were buried alive at the Lahat Animal Detention Centre. Pawsitive programme. Since its launch last year, more than 300 dogs and 250 cats have been neutered through subsidised campaigns.

“We face many challenges in managing stray animals, including limited capacity at impound centres, low awareness among pet owners and low adoption rates across Perak,” she said. As of July 20, the council had received over 900 complaints concerning stray and pet dogs. Council enforcement director

be responsible when issuing statements to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings,” she said yesterday. On Monday, two short videos – 15 and 13 seconds – were widely shared on the Malaysia Homeless Animal Movement Facebook page. The videos showed dozens of caged stray dogs on a truck

It clarified that all animals involved were humanely put to sleep, in accordance with established guidelines and legal provisions. Ng added that the state government has introduced several initiatives to address the stray animal issue, including the Perak

Government Committee chairman Sandrea S.C. Ng said the matter is being taken seriously, especially after some parties questioned the credibility of local councils over the handling of recent stray dog culling operations. “The government will not hesitate

Malacca health dept drafting proposal to ban vape sale MALACCA: The Malacca Health Department is preparing a proposal to ban the manufacturing and sale of e-cigarettes or vape products in the state. be presented to the State Executive Council for a decision later this year. “At this stage, the state He was replying to Low Chee Leong (PH–Kota Laksamana), who asked about the state government’s stance on the sale of e-cigarettes.

“They also contain cobalt, which is toxic to the lungs and cadmium, which can damage the kidneys and is also linked to cancer. “These heavy metals have also been associated with mental health issues, including depression,” he said. – Bernama

health hazards, and are by no means 100% safe. He said vape liquids contain various harmful heavy metals such as nickel, chromium and arsenic, which are all classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

government has yet to take a position on whether to support or reject the ban, as the matter is still under review,” he said at the state legislative assembly sitting yesterday.

Ngwe said while e-cigarettes are often seen as a safer alternative to conventional smoking, their nicotine content still poses addiction risks and

State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said the proposal will