KUALA LUMPUR: The haze currently affecting the country is caused by moderate to thick smoke from clusters of hotspots detected across much of Kalimantan as well as central and southern Sumatra, says the Environment Department (DOE).
Its deputy director-general (development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported 327 hotspots in Kalimantan and another 191 in Sumatra on Tuesday (Sept 29), while one hotspot was detected in Sarawak.
"ASMC also reported moderate transboundary haze affecting several areas in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and northwestern Borneo," she said in a statement Wednesday (Sept 30).
She said the DOE had stepped up inspections, patrols and monitoring in fire-prone areas, particularly peatlands and landfill sites, amid continued hot and dry weather.
"Where offences are identified, follow-up action will be taken based on the findings of inspections and investigations, as well as evidence obtained on the ground," she said.
Azuri Azizah said the DOE would continue monitoring Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, hotspots and transboundary haze developments, taking meteorological information into account when assessing the situation and coordinating haze management measures at district, state and national levels.
As of 2pm Wednesday, 23 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API readings, with the highest readings reported in several states, including Selangor, Johor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
She said DOE measures were being carried out in an integrated manner under the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK), which sets out the roles of various agencies according to the severity and development of the haze situation.
The department would also regularly provide updates on the situation, monitoring and patrol findings, Open Burning Prevention Operations (OMPT) and enforcement actions in accordance with the established reporting mechanism.
She said this was to ensure the situation could be assessed continuously and appropriate measures coordinated at all levels.
The DOE also stressed the need for cooperation from the industrial sector to reduce air emissions from major sources, particularly in areas where API readings exceed 300. - Bernama
