Over the past decade or so, several parts of our country recorded unhealthy air quality due to transboundary haze originating from our neighbouring nation Indonesia.
Seemingly an annual problem due to burning oil palm plantations in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the haze caused Malaysians to wear face masks way before the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the issue has receded in recent years and now, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Prandjaitan claims that the transboundary haze will no longer be an issue.
As reported by The Straits Times, Luhut during his visit to Singapore for the Ecosperity Week conference yesterday (6 June) assured that Indonesia is well prepared in preventing peatland fires caused by the hotter and drier season of El Nino.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Prandjaitan
The Indonesian Minister added that authorities in the country are looking at climate modification technology to produce artificial rain and strengthen water reserves.
Luhut previously took charge of managing the haze in 2016 and stressed that the problem has been reduced since then.
For illustration purposes
Previously, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency forecasted increased forest fire risk when the country enters the dry season beginning April 2023.
Well, let’s hope that the Indonesian Minister’s claim is true as transboundary haze from the neighbouring country coupled with the expected haze from within Malaysia could see air quality dropping significantly in many places in our country.
What do you guys think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Heat Wave Expected To Last Until August 2023, Can Cause Haze in Some Places
