PETALING JAYA: Hot weather and lower rainfall are expected to persist across most parts of Borneo until next Thursday, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
In an advisory, it said southerly winds and a higher number of hotspots in the region could reduce visibility in southern Sarawak.
The forecast comes as several areas in Malaysia continue to experience transboundary haze.
Sarawak bore the brunt, with nine areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings – ranges from 101 to 200 – as at 8pm yesterday.
The affected areas were Samarahan (163), Kuching (160), IPD Serian (161), Bintulu (154), Sarikei (155), Sibu (151) and Sri Aman (153).
The conditions have improved compared with several days ago, when the API in Serian went up to 204, crossing into the very unhealthy level.
Yesterday, Level 1 heatwave alerts were also issued for Marudi in Sarawak and Telupid in Sabah.
Most areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded moderate API readings ranging from 51 to 81.
Meanwhile, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) forecast dry weather to continue across the southern Asean region, although showers are expected in Peninsular Malaysia, parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra and northern Borneo.
On the hotspots, the Department of Environment (DOE) said seven had been detected, five in Sarawak and two in Sabah.
Citing the latest ASMC report, its deputy director-general (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said 226 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and another five in Sumatra.
“The DOE has stepped up enforcement action and daily patrols in areas prone to open burning, in addition to monitoring API readings regularly.
“The National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan have also been activated to coordinate the actions of government agencies in addressing open burning and haze situations.”
Azuri advised landowners to monitor areas prone to and frequently affected by fires, including landfill sites, forests, peatlands, plantations, agricultural and industrial areas.
She also urged them to take preventive measures to stop irresponsible parties from entering such areas and starting fires.
