Kundasang in 2011

Open burning in Kundasang

A massive fire started by farmers preparing land for planting burnt the whole hill away.

Such widespread forest clearing and subsequent subjection of tender soil to harsh and severe fiery treatment during the height of drought every year is partly blamed for turning the supposedly temperate Kundasang into another hot tropic.

One reason farmers burn is the burning gave some quick carbon to help release nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus. But in return to environment, water sources damaged, trees are killed, air quality is destroyed.

Oxygen is a natural coolant and when there are fewer trees, there is less oxygen.

Friendly soil microbes and useful animals for biological controls ranging from predatory insects to birds disappear, leaving farmers to rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to artificially boost and protect crops.

Under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, open burning is an offence and the offending farmer or farmers risks being charged in court. In the case of large plantations and industries, those found guilty are liable to a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a five-year jail.

Kinabalu Pine Resort (blue roof tops at left above photo) of hillside wooden cottages flanked by pine trees all around.

Kundasang in 2011