The Department of Environment (DOE) today announced an immediate ban against open burning in the whole of Selangor, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, until a date to be specified later.        

Environment director-general Halimah Hassan said the only exceptions were for religious and funeral rites, and grills or barbeques.         

The offence carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment or fine of maximum RM500,000 or both, upon conviction, she said in a statement today.         

"A maximum compound of RM2,000 could also be imposed for each offence," she added.        

Halimah advised the public to refrain from open burning and prevent trespassers to their land or premises for the purpose, either intentionally or accidentally.          

The public were also urged to cooperate by putting out small fires and report any open burning to the Fire and Rescue Department and DOE, she added.       

- Bernama