‘Little likelihood of haze hitting Malaysia’
Wind factor behind chances of haze hitting here, says Wan Junaidi
THE natural resources and environment minister says only three states may be at risk.
THE annual Sumatra forest fires, which have caused the Indonesian government to declare an emergency in five provinces, will most likely not affect Malaysia unless a sudden change in the wind direction occurs.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said Malaysians had no reason to worry about any serious haze in the country, as the forest fires in Aceh, Riau,
Jampi and other parts of Indonesia were being put out and brought under control by local authorities.
He said the likeliness of Malaysia feeling the wrath of the Aceh haze was very small, but the possibility was there, mainly for northern states such as Penang, Kedah and Perlis, and northern Thailand.
“The possibility of the wind from Aceh changing direction towards Malaysia is unlikely because of the geographical factors. “But if the situation worsens in Indonesia, it is not impossible. States in the north of Peninsular Malaysia will be the first to be affected, if that happens. Sabah and Sarawak are too far to be affected by the Acheh fire, but the Kalimantan fire may be a possible threat,” Wan Junaidi told the New Straits Times .
He said the ministry had been in contact with its counterpart in Indonesia and was well informed of developments on the ground.
“The local authorities are using the same technique and system used in the past two years, which have been effective in curbing severe haze in the countries in the Asean region.
“We have also pledged to render our assistance to Indonesia if they need any help putting out the fire ,” he said, adding that bombardiers carrying water cannons were on standby to help if Indonesia made any requests.
Wan Junaidi said his ministry had been closely monitoring the haze condition for almost a month, with no major cause for concern so far.
Wan Junaidi said that there were about 200 forest and peatland fires in Indonesia in 2016, yet there had been no haze here.
“This is because Indonesia has stepped up efforts since 2015, and I believe the same will happen this year as fewer hotspots have been identified so far. It is well under control.
“I have asked my officers for a thorough report on the air index and haze every three days for almost a month now.
“It was only yesterday, after more than three weeks, that a moderate haze was reported in two areas in the Klang Valley. Checks later showed that it was not a result of the open burning, but due to ozone pollution.”
Page 1 pic: An Indonesian ranger inspecting a peat forest fire in Meulaboh, Aceh province on Wednesday.