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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] DoE deploys drones to monitor open burning
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has conducted 4,247 ground patrols and 859 drone flights this year to monitor open burning activities nationwide. DoE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said these statistics, recorded up to July this year, are part of the department's ongoing enforcement efforts. "So far, the department has issued 58 directive notices, initiated 27 court actions, and imposed 59 compounds on offenders involved in open burning," he said during an engagement session today. "Air pollution and haze remain key concerns due to their serious health implications. The DoE continuously monitors the Air Pollutant Index (API) at 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide, operating 24 hours a day via the Environmental Data Centre (EDC) in Putrajaya," he added. Also present was DoE Air Division director Nor Aziah Jaafar. Latiff said Malaysia continues to work closely with neighbouring countries under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to coordinate preventive and mitigation actions regarding land and forest fires in the region. "Through this platform, Malaysia has put forward several proposals and initiatives to neighbouring countries to curb open burning activities that cause transboundary haze," he said. He added that domestically, various immediate actions are being taken, including strict enforcement of environmental laws, hotspot monitoring, firefighting operations in collaboration with relevant agencies, and the delegation of authority to 13 other government agencies. He said these agencies were officially gazetted on July 7, with enforcement beginning the following day. "This strategic initiative enhances field enforcement capacity, especially in tackling open burning, a major contributor to haze conditions. With the delegation of authority, quicker and more coordinated responses can now be carried out by multiple agencies," he said. Latiff said to strengthen preparedness and ensure coordinated responses, the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan have also been activated since Feb 26 to streamline government agency efforts in handling open burning and haze situations. "Additionally, joint patrols and monitoring efforts are being carried out with strategic partners such as the Civil Defence Force and other enforcement bodies at both state and district levels," he said. He urged the public not to engage in open burning and to report any suspicious activities to the DoE via its toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
MET Malaysia urges vigilance as haze returns
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has confirmed that the haze, currently blanketing parts of the country, is largely due to transboundary smoke from central Sumatran forest fires, swept in by south-westerly winds during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Running from June to September, this monsoon typically brings dry weather and scant rainfall – conditions that significantly elevate the risk of forest, peatland and bush fires both locally and in neighbouring nations, particularly Indonesia. 'Central Sumatran forest fires are the primary cause of the haze affecting several western Peninsular Malaysia states, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca,' said MET Malaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. Satellite imagery from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on July 19 pinpointed 65 hotspots in Sumatra – down from the 79 seen the previous day – indicating ongoing fires are still fuelling cross-border air pollution. 'The haze is being carried into Malaysia by prevailing south-westerly winds,' explained Mohd Hisham, adding that no significant downpours or wind shifts are expected in the coming days, which could persist or worsen the situation. Although not a direct cause, climate change is undeniably prolonging and intensifying the region's dry spells. 'Global warming is leading to drier, more extreme seasons across Southeast Asia, increasing the frequency and severity of fires,' said Mohd Hisham. He urged the public to exercise caution, especially between July and October, when haze episodes are most prevalent. 'Amidst these hot, dry conditions, stay hydrated and minimise outdoor activities, particularly during peak heat. If venturing out is unavoidable, take precautions like wearing a hat or use an umbrella,' he advised. He said open burning should also be strictly avoided, as it exacerbates air quality and contributes to environmental degradation. 'Prolonged exposure to thick haze can lead to health issues,' Mohd Hisham warned. Fortunately, MET Malaysia anticipates no strong El Nino this year, unlike the severe haze episodes that choked the region in 1998. This suggests that, barring a surge in uncontrolled fires, conditions are unlikely to deteriorate drastically. To stay informed, Mohd Hisham encouraged the public to consult MET Malaysia's website, the myCuaca mobile app, and their official social media channels. He added that Malaysia continues to pursue regional cooperation through the 2002 Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. 'However, there remains no legal enforcement mechanism to enable countries to take firm action against those responsible for the haze, particularly from illegal forest burning.'
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Regional efforts needed to curb haze
PETALING JAYA: An environmental expert has said haze could be prevented with better regional land management, enforcement, cooperation and public awareness. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Water and Environmental Engineering Department senior lecturer Dr Norelyza Hussein said the recurring issue is due to transboundary air pollution, particularly from the open burning of peatlands and forests. 'What makes it worse are meteorological conditions such as prolonged dry spells, low wind speeds and (conditions) that trap pollutants in the air.' While the source of haze has yet to be officially confirmed, she said the pattern is consistent with land-clearing activities in parts of Southeast Asia. 'Agencies such as the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre help track hotspots and wind directions to determine the sources. 'But it is important to acknowledge that domestic activities, such as open burning and emissions from vehicles also contribute to localised haze.' Norelyza said rainfall could provide short-term relief by removing airborne particles, but the effect is often temporary if pollution sources remain unchecked. She added that while climate change does not directly cause haze, it contributes to conditions that make it worse. 'Rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns lead to longer, drier seasons that are perfect conditions for fires and open burning.' She urged the public to observe air quality levels and take precautions. 'Health risks increase when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100, but even moderate readings could affect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.' Despite the possibility of haze, Norelyza is hopeful that it could be reduced through long-term, targeted efforts. 'Strengthening early warning systems, encouraging the use of air quality monitoring tools and reducing open burning are critical.' Norelyza said on the regional front, Malaysia is a signatory to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. 'We are making progress, but stronger implementation and better data sharing are needed. Capacity-building and technical support are vital if we want long-term solutions. 'Solving the haze problem requires science, policy and public involvement. With commitment and cooperation, there is a path forward to clearer skies and healthier air for all Malaysians.' As of noon yesterday, several parts of Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels. Nilai in Negeri Sembilan registered the highest at 164, followed by Johan Setia and Banting in Selangor at 155 and152 respectively. Temerloh in Pahang also crossed into the unhealthy range with a reading of 101. Putrajaya recorded a moderate level of 100, while Port Dickson showed a reading of 92. A total of 58 locations posted moderate readings between 51 and 100, including Cheras, Alor Gajah, Petaling Jaya, Batu Muda, Shah Alam and Klang. Only six areas recorded good air quality with API readings below 50. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), transboundary haze from Sumatra, Indonesia, is currently affecting several west coast states. 'A total of 79 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and smoke is being carried over by southwesterly winds,' said MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. He added that no significant rainfall or wind shifts are expected in the coming days, meaning API conditions could persist. In response, the Environmental Department has activated both the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan. Its director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar said enforcement patrols have been intensified, although no fires have been detected.
