Nik Nazmi: Haze movement caused ‘unhealthy’ API readings around peninsula

PETALING JAYA: Air quality trends throughout the week showed that some areas often recorded unhealthy readings, especially in Peninsular Malaysia, due to the movement of the haze, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said this is on top of the unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 154 recorded in Klang, Selangor on Thursday (Oct 19).

However, he said the situation may improve in the next few days.

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“(Soon) the southern part of Asean will receive higher rainfall leading to a reduction in hotspots and haze/smog,” he said in a statement.

To resolve the cross-border haze issue which has been shrouding Malaysia for decades, Nik Nazmi said his ministry will continue to increase its efforts through various initiatives such as preventing open burning.

Recently, he said, open burning was detected in Kota Tinggi, Johor involving a 32ha (80-acre) peatland bush area, adding that 70% of the fire was successfully extinguished.

Nevertheless, based on monitoring and observation, it was found that there is still smoke on the ground surface, he added.

“The ministry, through the Johor Environment Department (DOE), has installed an air quality monitoring device at Pengerang Utama Secondary School in Taman Bayu Damai (nearby) to monitor air quality.

“Enforcement action will be taken against the landowner.

“The DOE has also been instructed to increase enforcement actions and daily patrols in areas where there is potential for open burning activities. All landowners are advised to closely watch areas that are prone to fire."

Nik Nazmi said Malaysia is also working with the Indonesian government on haze prevention efforts under the framework of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze.

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He had said earlier the ministry would continue to examine the need to introduce a Bill on Transboundary Haze.

“This will include the feasibility of the law to be enacted, diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, as well as the implementation of similar acts by other countries to ensure that there is no waste of resources.

“Among the references (we are using) is the bilateral agreement between the United States and Canada through the US-Canada Air Quality Agreement following (its) proven effectiveness,” he added.