The Ministry of Development (MoD) thanks Avid Jogger for the letter, ‘Open burning is still widespread’, published in the Opinion page on February 24, and would like to respond accordingly.
We acknowledge that open burning is still an activity conducted by the public at their compounds and backyards, mostly to get rid of garden waste. Others do it for land clearing purposes, such as agricultural activities and housing development. Open burning activities, albeit common in our neighbourhoods, pollute the air in the vicinity, causing annoyance and discomfort among those who have to deal with the unpleasant smoke and smell.
Section 277A, Chapter 22 of the Penal Code prohibits open burning activities during a prescribed period, whereby offenders can face a maximum fine of BND100,000. Similarly, Section 7, Chapter 240 of the Environmental Protection and Management Act imposes a duty on every person to take practical measures to protect the environment, the contravention of which is an offence under Section 31 punishable with a fine of up to BND20,000. Technically, any instance of open burning can be reported either to the police or to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), and will be investigated for possible prosecution in court.
However, understandably, the public may not be inclined to formally report the matter due to the inconvenience of doing so, for the fear of being labelled as petty or for causing tense relations between neighbours.
Nevertheless, JASTRe is committed to doing its utmost best to address open burning activities, and steer the public away from the practice. For any complaints on open burning, the public can contact the agency via the Darussalam Line 123, call 2241262 (ext 405) during office hours, email to jastre.brunei@env.gov.bn , or visit our Instagram @jastre.bn.
The public is also advised to report immediately any bush or forest fires to the Fire and Rescue Department at its hotline 995.
Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation,
Ministry of Development
