Post by : Badri Ariffin

Prolonged dry weather across southern Asean is increasing the risk of haze and fires in Malaysia, with Sarawak continuing to record the most affected air quality.

Nine air quality monitoring stations in Sarawak recorded unhealthy readings, while Serian reached the “very unhealthy” category on Aug 13.

According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System, Serian recorded an air pollutant index (API) of 204 at 3pm on Aug 13. API readings between 201 and 300 are classified as “very unhealthy”, while readings from 101 to 200 are considered “unhealthy”.

Sarawak Records Multiple Unhealthy Readings

Several other locations in Sarawak also reported unhealthy air quality at 3pm on Aug 13.

The readings were:

• Samarahan: 177
• Kuching: 177
• Sarikei: 161
• Sri Aman: 158
• Bintulu: 154
• Miri: 152
• Sibu: 135
• Samalaju: 120

In Peninsular Malaysia, Cheras, Putrajaya and Shah Alam also recorded unhealthy API readings of 122, 121 and 112, respectively.

Dry Conditions Could Increase Hotspots

The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry said dry weather is expected to continue across most parts of the southern Asean region.

The ministry warned that the prolonged dry conditions could lead to more hotspots and increase the possibility of transboundary haze.

It said the combination of the El Nino phenomenon and the southwest monsoon has contributed to lower rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Sarawak.

Lower rainfall together with higher temperatures increases the risk of water shortages, forest fires, peatland fires and haze in areas experiencing prolonged dry spells, the ministry said.

Transboundary Haze and Local Fires Affect Sarawak

The ministry attributed the worsening air quality in Sarawak to transboundary haze as well as burning at a landfill under the responsibility of the Sibu Municipal Council.

Forest and bushfires are also affecting Sri Aman, where fires are spread across about 100 hectares.

Asean Activates Level 2 Warning

At the Asean level, a Level 2 warning was activated on Aug 3.

Under the warning, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste are required to submit daily reports and emergency response plans covering incidents of burning and haze.

The countries must also report the measures being taken to address the situation.

The ministry advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks and remain hydrated. It also stressed that open burning is strictly prohibited.

ASMC Detects Hotspots Across the Region

The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said dry conditions were observed on the morning of Aug 13, except for some showers over northern Sumatra.

Isolated hotspots were detected in central and southern Sumatra and in southern and eastern Kalimantan.

ASMC also reported a few hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Sarawak and Sulawesi.

Moderate smoke plumes were observed over western and central Kalimantan, while slight smoke plumes were detected in southern parts of Sumatra.

What Is Driving Malaysia’s Haze Risk?

Malaysia’s current haze and fire risk is linked to a combination of prolonged dry weather, lower rainfall and higher temperatures. The southwest monsoon and concurrent El Nino conditions are contributing to drier conditions in southern Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Sarawak.

The situation is also being influenced by transboundary haze and local fires, particularly in Sarawak.

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