FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES ON OPEN BURNING REGULATION: A CASE STUDY OF SEKINCHAN, SELANGOR

Abstract

Despite a regulatory prohibition under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, open burning persists in Malaysia. Enforcement challenges are particularly evident in agricultural areas because seasonal farming cycles often involve farmers burning crop residues to clear land. Certain open burning activities, including smallholder cultivation, are permitted under specified conditions. This study explores farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the regulatory controls and the local community’s perception of the issue in Sekinchan, Selangor. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative surveys involving 144 respondents with qualitative interviews and field observations. The data were subsequently triangulated to enhance validity. The findings indicate that farmers have a high level of knowledge of the legal prohibition. They are also willing to participate in government awareness initiatives. However, interview and observational findings suggest that actual compliance with procedural and environmental requirements remains inconsistent. Economic considerations, time constraints, limited access to practical alternatives, and entrenched cultural norms continue to influence farmers’ behaviour. The findings indicate gaps between regulatory awareness and implementation. Therefore, integrated enforcement strategies and feasible agricultural alternatives are required to support sustainable environmental governance, agricultural land management, and context-sensitive environmental planning in Selangor.