KUALA LUMPUR: The public can now plan ahead for potential haze conditions with a new platform that forecasts air pollution up to five days in advance, says Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has developed the Malaysian Community Multi-Scale Air Quality Model (MICMAQ), which provides high-resolution forecasts of air quality conditions and atmospheric pollutant concentrations in Malaysia and across South-East Asia.
“In the context of haze management, the model can forecast potential air pollution and haze events up to five days in advance.
“I hope the public will refer to this platform to prepare and take appropriate action regarding their respective activities over the next five days,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 22).
Arthur was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Begri (GPS-Betong) on measures to ensure accurate and timely air quality information amid concerns over worsening haze.
He said such initiatives are intended to benefit the public by providing forecasts of air quality trends and haze warnings that are more responsive and easier for people from all walks of life to understand.
