No, open burning is generally illegal in Malaysia under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and subsidiary regulations, with exceptions permitted only under strict Department of Environment (DOE) approval. Violations incur fines up to RM500,000 or imprisonment, while the 2026 National Clean Air Action Plan tightens enforcement via real-time satellite monitoring and local authority patrols.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Malaysia
- Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014: Prohibits open burning except for agricultural residue under DOE-issued permits, with penalties of RM10,000–RM500,000 per offense under Section 24A.
- State-Specific Bylaws: Selangor’s Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Open Burning) Order 2020 bans all residential burning, while Sabah’s Environmental Protection Enforcement Regulations 2023 mandates prior written consent for land clearing burns.
- DOE’s 2026 Compliance Framework: Introduces mandatory pre-burn assessments, drone surveillance, and mandatory reporting via the Air Quality Compliance System (AQCS) for permitted activities, with non-compliance triggering immediate shutdowns.