Latest news with #METMalaysia
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Johan Setia records unhealthy API, 64 areas at moderate levels
KUALA LUMPUR: Johan Setia in Selangor was the only location to record unhealthy air quality as of 8.30am today, with a reading of 152. According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollution Index (API) Management System, a total of 64 areas across the country recorded moderate API readings, ranging from 52 to 97. Among the highest were Pegoh in Ipoh, Perak (97); Shah Alam, Selangor (96); Putrajaya (95); and Tasek Ipoh, Perak (94). Only three locations, namely, Balik Pulau in Penang, Kangar in Perlis, and Langkawi in Kedah, recorded good air quality. An API reading between 0 and 50 is good, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and more than 300 is hazardous. Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) reported haze alert involving several states in Peninsular Malaysia. Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said there were 79 hotspots in Sumatera, possibly contributing to the haze carried by south-westerly winds.
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
19-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
States in Peninsular Malaysia hit with transboundary haze from Sumatera, Indonesia
PETALING JAYA: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia have been affected by cross-border haze, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said. Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said a report from Asean Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) found that there are 79 hotspots in Sumatera leading to the transboundary haze in Peninsular carried by south-westerly winds. 'MET Malaysia added that they don't forsee any rain or change of wind direction occurring in the next few days to reduce the haze in any way. 'The public is advised to refrain from any open burning activity as it will worsen the haze in the region and cause air pollution,' he said in a statement. The public is advised to get the latest and most authentic weather updates via MET Malaysia's official website, MyCuaca mobile app and social media, or call 1-300-22-1638 for further inquiries.
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Haze alert: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia affected, says MetMalaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Several states in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia have been affected by cross-border haze, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said. Its director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, said there were 79 hotspots in Sumatera, possibly contributing to the haze carried by south-westerly winds. This followed an analysis of NOAA-20 satellite imagery on Friday, as reported by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), she said.
![[UPDATED] Haze alert: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia affected, says MetMalaysia](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Frasdrd_1752910379.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Haze alert: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia affected, says MetMalaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia have been affected by cross-border haze, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said. Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said there were 79 hotspots in Sumatera, possibly contributing to the haze carried by south-westerly winds. This followed an analysis of NOAA-20 satellite imagery on Friday, as reported by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), she said. "MetMalaysia is not forecasting any rain or change in wind direction over the next few days, (that could help) reduce the haze impact. "The public is advised against conducting open burnings as it could worsen the haze situation," he said in a statement. Port Dickson recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 109 as of 2.30pm today. This was followed by concerning API readings in J ohan Setia, Selangor, and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, which were nearing the unhealthy threshold, with readings of 98 and 90, respectively.
