Central Sumatra hotspots cause of transboundary haze

Several areas in the Klang Valley were covered in haze as seen from this photo taken at 2.30pm Tuesday.

KLANG: The Klang Valley is being hit  by encroaching haze believed to be caused by an increase in the number of hotspots in Central Sumatra over the weekend.

Selangor executive councillor for environment Elizabeth Wong said that “the haze experienced in the Klang Balley is transboundary haze after an exponential increase of hotspots in Central Sumatra since the weekend.

In addition to this Wong cautioned locals against adding to the problems by starting peat fires.

Wong said the local authorities had discovered the fire which had been started on vegetable plots in the area Tuesday morning.

"No suspects were found and follow- up action is being initiated," said Wong when contacted.

She added the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) quick response team, the Pantas Squad, had been constantly monitoring the peat areas and helping the Fire and Rescue Department at the Kesas Highway, Jalan Kebun and Johan Setia.

"They have been instructed to intensify their rounds since July 2016," said Wong.

She explained most of the fires in the areas were small and had been fully extinguished by the Fire and Rescue Department and MPK.

"This time it is relatively easier to do so with the state government using a  product called PeatFirex (a non-chemical based product to suppress peat fires) which is specific to peat soil," she said.

According to Wong, besides people starting the fires on purpose, the dry weather was also a factor behind the peat fires in the area.

"If the ground is dry for long periods of time then even a smouldering cigarette can ignite," said Wong adding this is how the roadside fires are started.

She said on the part of the Selangor state government, a central command coordination team has been parked under the state secretary's office to monitor all peat fires.

Wong urged members of the public who sight fires to immediately inform the Fire and Rescue Department.

"If you see any neighbours burning leaves or branches please advise them to stop doing so.

"If they refuse please report to your respective local councils," said Wong.