MIRI: The state government might take deterrent measurement against errant pineapple planters involved in open burning activities in Permyjaya Miri.
“We will not compromise on the matter and stern actions will be taken against errant planters and culprits involved,” said Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin today.
He added this deterrent measurement might include to immediately revoking their farming (pineapple) subsidy.
Lee said the proposal to implement such measurement would be conveyed to Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas for approval.
He said this after chairing a meeting with Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and Miri Department of Environment at Lopeng fire station.
Also present were Miri fire zone 6 chief Supt Law Poh Kiong and Julaiha Jumal DOE Miri chief.
The surprise meeting was held this morning following the increased amount of haze clouding Vista Perdana in Permyjaya since two days ago.
Next to the Vista Perdana areas in Permyjaya is a piece of land being used for pineapple cultivation area and the planters were spotted doing open burning in the area. They were approached by enforcement officers of DOE and Bomba who advised them to stop the open burning activities.
Unfortunately, most of them took no notice of the warning and advices.
Lee once again warned the planters to stop open burning or face stern actions from the relevant authorities.
“We are currently facing the dry season until September…so please, give your cooperation and help us to curb haze from shrouding our surroundings,” he pointed out.
Lee also called on the Land and Survey Department and the Agriculture Department to provide data of planters currently farming on the piece of land near Vista Perdana.
