THE Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation has reissued warnings to members of the public against open burning with a fine of B$100,000 in light of hazy conditions that have re-emerged in Brunei Darussalam.
In a country in which forests still cover about 80 per cent of the land area, haze has been a persistent problem for over a decade.

In 1998, Brunei was crippled by dangerously high levels of air pollution which blanketed the nation in thick smoke haze caused by vast forest fires sweeping neighbouring Indonesian territory.

In 2009, Brunei was faced with similar conditions as air quality in the country was affected by prevalent hotspots in neighbouring countries.

Current dry weather has prompted the department to reiterate a ban on open burning which is still in effect since August 2009 for fear of worsening weather conditions.

Under Chapter 12 of the Penal Code Section 277 A, the public is refrained from conducting any open-burning activities. Offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding $100,000. Where such offences cause pollution to the atmosphere or endanger human life or property the punishment is a fine of unlimited amount or imprisonment for a term of up to five years.

According to a statement from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, the department will continue to closely monitor the air quality and conduct joint efforts with other relevant authorities to curb open burning activities during this prescribed period so as to enforce the provision.

This, however, has been received with apprehension by some members of the public who view the provision as a mere suggestion.

“This wouldn’t be the fast time they’ve issued this warning,” said 46-year-old Hj Alias who admits to open burning.

“Everyone does it and the most severe repercussions we receive is a simple warning, if any.”
Faridah Mohammad, whose child suffers form asthma, is grateful for the renewed warnings but hopes that there will indeed be proper enforcement of the law.

“I don’t think people are scared of open burning which is a shame. My son is asthmatic and between that and the haze his health will really be affected.”

Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings over the past few days from all four districts were relatively higher than normal, but air quality remains “generally good” (see table below). According to the Department, a PSI reading of below 50 is `good’ while a PSI of between 50 and 100 is ‘moderate’.

Meanwhile, the public can contact the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation for any complaints on open burning through hotlines 8999900/8837751/8837741.

Members of the public may also query conditions of air quality by contacting 2383222 (ext 514) during normal office hours or access and obtain PSI readings online at www.env.gov.bn.

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