"The state DOE will increase patrols in high-risk areas, particularly agricultural land, vacant land, scrubland and locations with a history of open burning incidents.

"Industrial sources contributing to air pollution must be monitored more closely by ensuring that air pollution control systems are in good condition and operating efficiently," he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, he said hot and dry weather with prolonged periods without rain could increase the risk of fires in forests, peatlands, agricultural areas and scrubland, thereby contributing to a deterioration in air quality.

He said the El Nino phenomenon was not the main cause of haze, but the hot and dry conditions resulting from the phenomenon could create conditions that made fires more likely to occur.

In this regard, he urged the public not to engage in open burning, monitor API readings and immediately report any incidents of open burning to the authorities.

"Efforts to tackle haze are not solely the responsibility of the government and enforcement agencies, but require the cooperation of the entire community, and the state government will not compromise on activities that could harm the environment and public health," he said.

-- BERNAMA