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Malaysians face dual threats of haze and high UV levels, experts warn
Malaysians face dual threats of haze and high UV levels, experts warn

Straits Times

time23-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Straits Times

Malaysians face dual threats of haze and high UV levels, experts warn

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Haze and dense smog obscure the Kuala Lumpur skyline at past noon on July 22, 2025. KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians are confronting a dual threat of increasing haze and elevated ultraviolet radiation index (UVI) levels, experts warn. Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) senior lecturer Chung Jing Xiang said while both are detrimental, haze presents a notably greater threat to human health. 'Our region's proximity to the equator results in high UVI levels, as we receive direct sunlight almost year-round. However, haze poses a more serious threat, leading to respiratory issues,' said Dr Chung. He explained that haze consists of pollutant particles, commonly referred to as 'particulate matter'. 'These particles have the capacity to scatter ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in reduced light reaching the atmosphere where people are located,' he said. To illustrate, Dr Chung used an analogy. 'You can liken it to diving in the ocean. If the water is murky, then less light will penetrate the ocean floor,' he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Opinion Most companies onboard the wrong way – here's how to get it right Sport AC Milan's Rafael Leao gives Singapore fan an unforgettable birthday Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving He explained that the air is currently unclear due to haze, resulting in reduced sunlight reaching the Earth's surface. Consequently, this indicates that UV radiation is also diminished, as UV is a form of 'light'. He said while it is pleasant to be outdoors without the risk of sunburn from elevated UV rays, he advises people to prioritise their health by steering clear of poor air quality. This is because a high UVI often correlates with a low (good) air quality index and vice versa, highlighting a trade-off where cleaner air means higher UV exposure, and hazy conditions (lower UV) mean poor air quality. Additionally, National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Azizan Abu Samah noted that the maximum UV radiation typically occurs around midday, with its intensity depending on the thickness of cloud cover. 'Thick clouds can reflect much of the sun's radiation back into the atmosphere, reducing UV exposure to the ground where people are,' he said. 'Being in the tropics, UV levels are generally higher than in temperate countries like Europe,' he added while referring to the high UV index recorded in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He expressed concern that haze poses a greater threat due to its inclusion of PM2.5 pollutants: minute particles that can be easily inhaled by humans, leading to significant health risks for the lungs. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department website, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, recorded an extremely high UV index of 13 on July 22, particularly between noon and 1pm. 'The UV intensity in Malaysia is generally highest during the months of December, January and February,' said its department director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

A breath of foul air
A breath of foul air

The Star

time22-07-2025

  • Health
  • The Star

A breath of foul air

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are confronting a dual threat of increasing haze and elevated Ultraviolet Radiation Index (UVI) levels; however, climate experts caution that the haze presents a greater health risk. This concern is echoed by Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) senior lecturer Dr Chung Jing Xiang, who emphasised that while both are detrimental, the haze presents a notably greater threat to human health. 'Our region's proximity to the equator results in high UVI levels, as we receive direct sunlight almost year-round; however, haze poses a more serious threat, leading to respiratory issues,' said Dr Chung. He explained that haze consists of pollutant particles, commonly referred to as Particulate Matter (PM). 'These particles have the capacity to scatter ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in reduced light reaching the atmosphere where people are located,' he said. To illustrate, Dr Chung used an analogy. 'You can liken it to diving in the ocean. 'If the water is murky, then less light will penetrate the ocean floor.' The climate and weather researcher explained that likewise, the air is currently unclear due to haze, resulting in reduced sunlight reaching the Earth's surface. Consequently, this indicates that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is also diminished, as UV is a form of 'light'. He said that while it is pleasant to be outdoors without the risk of sunburn from elevated UV rays, he advises people to prioritise their health by steering clear of poor air quality. This is because a high UVI often correlates with a low (good) Air Quality Index (AQI), and vice versa, highlighting a trade-off where cleaner air means higher UV exposure, and hazy conditions (lower UV) mean poor air quality. Adding to this, National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah noted that the maximum UV radiation typically occurs around midday, with its intensity depending on the thickness of cloud cover. 'Thick clouds can reflect much of the sun's radiation back into the atmosphere, reducing UV exposure to the ground where people are,' he said. 'Being in the tropics, UV levels are generally higher than in temperate countries like Europe,' he added while referring to the high UV index recorded in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The climatologist expressed concern that haze poses a greater threat due to its inclusion of PM2.5 pollutants – minute particles that can be easily inhaled by humans, leading to significant health risks for the lungs. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, recorded an extremely high UV index of 13 yesterday, particularly between noon and 1pm. 'The UV intensity in Malaysia is generally highest during the months of December, January and February,' said its department director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.

Experts laud move to establish dedicated maritime court
Experts laud move to establish dedicated maritime court

New Straits Times

time16-07-2025

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

Experts laud move to establish dedicated maritime court

KUALA LUMPUR: The soon-to-be-tabled Admiralty Bill, which seeks to establish a dedicated maritime court, is a timely and necessary step, say maritime law experts. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) maritime policy expert Professor Datuk Dr Saharuddin Abdul Hamid said the initiative marks a significant progression from the current Admiralty Court framework, which operates under the High Court in Kuala Lumpur. "An Admiralty Court is a specialised court to deal with maritime disputes. As Malaysia continues to grow as a strategic maritime nation, the need for a robust legal infrastructure tailored to these issues cannot be overstated," he told the New Straits Times. While the existing Admiralty Court is functional, he said it lacks the depth of specialisation required to effectively resolve the growing number of maritime disputes. "A dedicated maritime court would allow for the appointment of judges and legal personnel with deep expertise in international maritime law. This level of specialisation will ensure more consistent and informed rulings. This brings Malaysia closer in line with global maritime legal hubs such as Singapore and the United Kingdom," he said. He said time is often critical in cases involving vessel arrests, cargo damage, charter party disputes and pollution claims. A court focused solely on maritime matters, he said, would reduce case backlogs and enhance resolution timelines, reinforcing confidence among both domestic and international stakeholders. UMT senior lecturer Wan Mariam Wan Abdullah said location accessibility was a long-standing issue, as the current court only sits in Kuala Lumpur. "Ports in Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, Penang and Johor are underserved. Regional divisions under a new court would bridge that gap," she said. She added a specialised court would also improve coordination with enforcement agencies and port authorities, particularly for enforcement cases involving ship detentions, pollution breaches and port regulations. She added the move would also position Malaysia as a cost-effective alternative to Singapore for maritime dispute resolution and expand maritime arbitration services to attract international cases. Meanwhile, maritime lawyer Srimurugan Alagan welcomed the concurrent effort to review outdated maritime legislation under the Maritime Law Revision and Reform Committee (MLRRC), chaired by Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan. "Many of Malaysia's maritime laws are based on pre-Merdeka laws, such as the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, and they were drafted for the applications of that time. It is not keeping up with modern industry developments," he said. He said the committee's review of six core maritime-related laws was a major step forward as Malaysia is positioning itself as a shipping hub. "We're in competition with countries like Singapore, which are far ahead in this regard. So it's important that our maritime laws are updated and competitive," he added. Yesterday, Loke said the Transport Ministry will table an Admiralty Bill. He said the Bill would be presented during the third session of Parliament this year, scheduled between October and December. Loke added that the MLRRC had been given one year to complete its review, which was aimed at harmonising the outdated laws.

UMT student killed in motorcycle crash at Perasing R&R exit
UMT student killed in motorcycle crash at Perasing R&R exit

New Straits Times

time03-07-2025

  • New Straits Times

UMT student killed in motorcycle crash at Perasing R&R exit

KEMAMAN: A weekend getaway turned tragic for two Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) students when one of them was killed after their motorcycle skidded at the entrance of the Perasing Rest and Service Area (R&R) around 3pm today. Kemaman district police chief Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli said the incident occurred at the Perasing R&R exit heading towards Kuantan, involving a Yamaha Y16ZR motorcycle believed to have skidded on its own. Preliminary investigations revealed that the two students were travelling from Kuala Terengganu to Kuantan. "The accident is believed to have happened as they were taking a turn into the R&R area, when the motorcycle ridden by Siti Ain Balqis Hamdan, 23, went out of control and crashed into the left-side road barrier. "The rider was flung to the left side of the road, while the pillion rider, Nur Intan Syafiera Batrisya Hamzah, 22, fell onto the roadway. "The rider died at the scene and her body was sent to Kemaman Hospital's forensics unit for post-mortem," he said. The pillion rider, who sustained serious injuries to the head, body and legs, was rushed to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) in Kuantan for further treatment. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. The deceased was from Kampung Puah Lembah, Jalan Sungai Batu Batu 3 3/4, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, while her friend is from Kampung Mantin Dalam, Negeri Sembilan. Meanwhile, in a statement, UMT said its Student Affairs Division (Hepa) would provide RM1,000 in bereavement aid, RM1,500 for funeral arrangements (including transport and burial costs), and RM10,000 under the Student Protection Scheme for the next-of-kin of the deceased. For the injured student, Hepa is extending RM500 in immediate assistance under the Bingkas Kasih aid, while medical expenses of up to RM2,500 will be covered through the university's hospital guarantee letter.

Monitor students' travel plans, universities told after fatal bus crash
Monitor students' travel plans, universities told after fatal bus crash

New Straits Times

time29-06-2025

  • New Straits Times

Monitor students' travel plans, universities told after fatal bus crash

JERTIH: Higher learning institutions must closely monitor student-initiated travel plans, including chartering buses home during holidays, to prevent accidents, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. "I urge universities to stay in communication with students and monitor any self-arranged travel," he said after visiting the family of the late Nurly Sahirah Azman at Kampung Gong Pasir, Kerandang, today. Nurly Sahirah was among 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) students killed in a crash involving a chartered bus and a Perodua Alza on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, Perak, on June 9. Also present were Upsi, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin vice-chancellors. Zambry said the ministry is reviewing proposals to improve safety, including suggestions to limit student travel to daytime hours. "We are taking all concerns seriously, especially those raised on social media, to prevent such tragedies," he said. He added that the ministry remains committed to swift, decisive action on student safety, particularly in cases involving loss of life. — BERNAMA

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