Dept of Environment: Indonesian Forest Fires Are Causing Haze in Malaysia Again

The Department of Environment (DOE) Malaysia has confirmed that haze from hundreds of Indonesian forest fires has reached our country. As a result, many places are now shrouded and worse, air quality has dropped.

As reported by Bloomberg/The Edge Malaysia, the transboundary haze was triggered by fires in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan, which are in close proximity to Malaysia.

As a result, there is an increase in air pollution on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and in western Sarawak.

Transboundary haze is a recurring problem in Southeast Asia, though an Indonesian minister previously assured that haze originating from the country is no longer an issue in the region.

12 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy air pollutant index levels above 100 as of 8pm yesterday (29 September), the highest of which is 155 registered in an area of Kuala Lumpur.

Furthermore, satellite imagery from the Singapore-based ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre on Friday identified 52 hotspots in Sumatra, 264 in Kalimantan and none in Malaysia.

Dry conditions are lingering in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, with hotspot clusters in southern Sumatra and Jambi continuing to release moderate to thick smoke that’s blown towards the northwest.

Meanwhile, hotspots in parts of Kalimantan are producing thick smoke, which can cause haze in Sarawak. Thankfully, rains in areas of Kalimantan may ease the situation.

So, what do you guys think of the return of the transboundary haze in our country? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: Indonesian Minister Assures That Haze Originating From The Country is No Longer an Issue