Air quality may only improve in mid-Nov, says Wan Junaidi

KUALA LUMPUR: The air quality in Malaysia may only improve around mid-November, when the Northeast monsoon begins and rains are expected in the region.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said human intervention was not enough to quell the raging forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

“Initially we thought the winds from South China Sea would be stronger this week and therefore stop the smog from affecting Malaysia, but the wind patterns changed with Typhoon Champi and Typhoon Koppu recently.

“This caused the wind pressure from South China Sea to drop, hence the haze is still affecting us,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby on Monday.

Dr Wan Junaidi also said Indonesia’s foreign minister had reached out to him this morning, asking for an extension period to use Malaysia’s planes which are equipped with “waterbomb” facilities to help put out forest fires.

“The plane is apparently very effective in combating the forest fires there, and Indonesia appreciates our help.

“Even so, the fires have yet to be completely extinguished, and the smog is still heading towards Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.