tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43228655321757314462024-03-15T00:04:43.118+08:00wildsingapore newsenvironmental news for singaporeansRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comBlogger25640125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-59123773495732354322019-09-09T08:15:00.002+08:002019-09-09T08:33:24.319+08:00Malaysia, Johor: Land reclamation may be behind mass fish deathsVENESA DEVI <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/07/land-reclamation-may-be-behind-mass-fish-deaths">The Star</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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What went wrong?: Some of the dead fish found along Pantai Lido.<br />
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JOHOR BARU: Land reclamation along Pantai Lido could potentially be the main cause of mass fish deaths in the area.<br />
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State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said the Department of Environment (DoE), along with the Fisheries Department, were still investigating the matter and not ruling out land reclamation as the contributing factor.<br />
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“The DoE visited the location on Thursday upon receiving complaints about the occurrence and found that the dissolved oxygen level of the water was very low at 1.2mg/l,” he said.<br />
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“The hot weather and disturbance of the water flow here due to land reclamation are believed to be contributing factors, but we are still investigating the matter.”<br />
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In a statement, Tan said he had instructed the DoE to look into the Environment Impact Assessment for the reclamation project to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.<br />
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Dozens of dead fish were spotted along Pantai Lido during a visit there yesterday, along with a strong stench.<br />
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This is the second occurrence of mass fish deaths along Pantai Lido recently, with the first incident on Aug 28.<br />
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State Fisheries Department director Zamani Omar said land reclamation had caused blockages in the waterway, resulting in limited water exchanges.<br />
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“The fish in the area were possibly trapped in water with a low dissolved oxygen level, causing them to suffocate.<br />
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“The hot weather, followed by sudden downpours, could also have killed the fish as they had to experience extreme and sudden changes of temperature,” he said, adding that there were no signs of industrial pollution in the water.<br />
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Malaysia Nature Society vice-president Vincent Chow said the recurring fish deaths here were a clear sign of pollution.<br />
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“Just because no industrial waste is found does not mean that there is no pollution, as the mud from land reclamation could also cause pollution.<br />
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“The relevant agencies should not only check the water samples, but also take samples from the dead fish to know what caused them to suffocate,” he said.<br />
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<b>Johor looking into development projects and mass fish deaths</b><br />
VENESA DEVI <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/07/johor-looking-into-development-projects-and-mass-fish-deaths">The Star</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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Dead fish seen along Pantai Lido in Johor Baru following reports of mass fish death caused by low oxygen levels.<br />
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TANGKAK: The Johor government is investigating whether development projects, including land reclamation work around Pantai Lido, have led to the mass death of fish in the area.<br />
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Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said that the relevant agencies are currently preparing an in-depth report on the matter.<br />
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“The Environment Department (DOE) and Fisheries Department are still looking for the main reason why the oxygen level in the water went down, which led to the death of fish.<br />
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“This is the second time we have seen such an occurrence and I have urged the relevant agencies to take proactive measures, ” he said, adding that he is still awaiting reports from DOE and the Fisheries Department.<br />
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He was speaking to reporters after attending a Johor Corporation corporate social responsibility programme dubbed Jalinan Ukhwah JCorp here at Kundung Ulu in Tangkak on Saturday (Sept 7).<br />
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Dr Sahruddin added that at the moment, the state government has not issued any orders to stop development projects in the affected area.<br />
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“If the incidents have anything to do with development projects, we will consult the relevant agencies to improve procedures, ” he said.<br />
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<b>Dead fish incident: Johor Fisheries Dept says stagnant water must be treated first before being released</b><br />
MOHD FARHAAN SHAH <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/08/dead-fish-incident-johor-fisheries-dept-says-stagnant-water-must-be-treated-first-before-being-released">The Star</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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JOHOR BARU: The Johor Fisheries Department has suggested that a process to replace and treat stagnant water be conducted along Pantai Lido following two separate incidents of mass fish deaths in the area.<br />
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Its director Zamani Omar said a water analysis report, which was sent on Aug 28 following the first incident, found high amounts of ammonia and phosphate as a result of the decaying fish.<br />
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"Things will get worse if domestic wastewater flows into the reservoir and threatens other aquatic life.<br />
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"As an immediate measure, the department has suggested that the ammonia problem be rectified by exchanging pool water where stagnant water must be treated before being released into public waters," he said in a statement here on Sunday (Sept 8).<br />
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Zamani added that as for a long-term solution, more efficient irrigation routes should be constructed at Pantai Lido to ensure that water flows in and out according to the tide.<br />
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He pointed out that this was to ensure that domestic waste does not accumulate locally and affecting the water quality of aquatic life.<br />
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Zamani said currently, there was only one pathway that had been built for such purpose compared to the overall large area of Pantai Lido.<br />
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It was reported that the state government may look into ways to improve development procedures at Pantai Lido following mass fish deaths in the area, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal.<br />
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He said the relevant agencies were still investigating development projects, including reclamation works.<br />
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Dr Sahruddin added that if the incident had something to do with the development projects, the state government would consult the relevant agencies, including the Department of Environment and Town and Country Planning Department, to look into it.<br />
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The state government was not ruling out land reclamation along Pantai Lido as being the main cause of mass fish death there.<br />
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Dozens of dead fish were spotted along Pantai Lido for the second time on Friday just days after a similar occurrence on Aug 28.<br />
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Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-59583272119859919382019-09-09T08:12:00.003+08:002019-09-09T08:33:24.411+08:00Malaysia: Two men nabbed, over 600 turtle eggs seizedGoh Pei Pei <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519745/two-men-nabbed-over-600-turtle-eggs-seized">New Straits Times</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) enforcement team nabbed two men for selling sea turtle eggs at Pasar Tamu Kubah Ria on Saturday.<br />
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SFC chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said the first suspect, aged 65, was caught at 9.45am and 214 eggs were seized.<br />
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“When our team returned to the market for another round of patrol in the afternoon, they arrested a 26-year-old man with 438 sea turtle eggs. We had lodged a police report for further investigation,” he said in a statement today.<br />
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On the same day, another team raided a stall at Bandar Riyal market in Kota Samarahan for selling wild boar meat.<br />
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A 62-year-old male suspect was nabbed and 17 packets of the wildlife meat were seized.<br />
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Zolkipli said anyone who hunts, kills, keeps, sells or consumes protected animals faces a one-year jail term and RM10,000 fine.<br />
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“In the case of the sea turtle which is a totally protected wildlife in Sarawak, the maximum fine is RM50,000 and five years’ jail,” he said.<br />
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Meanwhile, commercial sale of bearded pigs is strictly prohibited under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. The seller and seller can be fined up to RM5,000 and RM2,000 respectively.<br />
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Zolkipli added the state government allocated RM70 million for SFC to deploy reef balls along the state shoreline to conserve and protect the marine life, especially the sea turtles.<br />
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“We are serious in combating and eradicating illegal wildlife trade and its supply chain. Hence, any sales of the eggs must be reported to the authorities.<br />
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“We will continue to intensify our efforts against these illegal activities and raise awareness on wildlife conservation among the public.” he added.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-41130253108423479772019-09-09T08:11:00.001+08:002019-09-09T08:33:23.948+08:00Malaysia: Sharks and rays still in demand in Sabah for their meatOlivia Miwil <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519707/sharks-and-rays-still-demand-sabah-their-meat">New Straits Times</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is keen to protect sharks and rays in the state’s waters but the problem is the two species of marine life have been a staple food for some locals.<br />
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A fishmonger of 35 years at the wet market here, who declined to be named, said due to demand from consumers, fisherman continue to net the two species.<br />
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“I am aware of the move to ban the catching of sharks and rays to prevent both species from becoming extinct. But some people in Sabah including fishermen still consume the meat,” he said, adding sharks and rays were sold between RM8 and RM12 per kilogramme.<br />
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He however said that the catch involving the two marine species was far less nowadays, compared to three decades ago.<br />
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“Back then, I used to sell at least a tonne of sharks - guitar sharks and hammerheads in a week.<br />
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“I remember the biggest shark weighed about 200 kilogrammes. Now the most I get from the suppliers is just 70 kilogrammes and is available only twice or thrice a week,” he said, adding that he receives his shark and ray supply from fisherman operating in the waters of Sabah’s west-coast.<br />
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A buyer who only wanted to be known as Hassan said he consumed shark meat once a month due to the belief that it helps in the “cleansing of the lymph system” in the body.<br />
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During a recent Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference, Malaysia was among 40 countries which opposed a proposal to protect certain species of sharks and rays from exploitation.<br />
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The federal Fisheries Department defended the vote against the move saying that the sharks and rays were caught unintentionally.<br />
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Shark experts have said fishing of those species did not contribute to direct decline of their population.<br />
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However, the federal government had in July gazetted four species of sharks and two species of rays to be listed as endangered under the newly amended Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) (Amendment) Regulations 2019.<br />
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The newly listed species under the Shark group are Sphyrna mokarran (great hammerhead shark), Sphyrna zygaena (smooth hammerhead shark), Eusphyra blochii (winghead shark) and the Carcharhinus longimanus (oceanic whitetip shark).<br />
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The species under the Ray group are Manta birostris (oceanic manta) and Manta alfredi (reef manta).<br />
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Previously, it was reported that Sabah Food and Agriculture Industry minister Datuk Junz Wong as saying that in recent years, restaurants in the state had also stopped serving shark fins as there wsas a better conservation awareness among the people.<br />
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The state, however, would look into protection of shark and ray species through the amendment of state Fisheries Enactment and ban trawlers in the near future for more sustainable marine stock in Sabah waters.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-68423293172764824202019-09-09T08:10:00.003+08:002019-09-09T08:33:24.505+08:00Malaysia: Govt to build elephant sanctuary in Perak<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/08/govt-to-build-elephant-sanctuary-in-perak">The Star</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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TEMERLOH: The government will set up an elephant sanctuary in an area spanning 100ha in Perak at a cost of about RM20mil.<br />
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Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the move was part of an ongoing effort to conserve elephants, which were increasingly threatened due to human-elephant conflicts.<br />
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He said the new sanctuary would be a new addition to the Sungai Deka Elephant Sanctuary in Terengganu and the Johor Elephant Sanctuary in Kota Tinggi.<br />
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“The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Perak government, has approved the proposal for the construction of the new sanctuary, which will be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said after launching the 2019 World Elephant Day celebration at the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre yesterday.<br />
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Also present were his deputy Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim and Exim Bank chairman Datuk Feizal Mustapha.Dr Xavier expressed hope that other states would be interested in developing an elephant sanctuary, which could solve the human-elephant conflict through the release of the animals into the natural habitat at the sanctuary.<br />
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“A total of 1,118 complaints on human-elephant conflicts have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia between 2016 and 2018. It is estimated that there are 1,680 elephants in the peninsula, while about 2,000 are in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.<br />
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Dr Xavier also announced the appointment of actress and environmental activist Maya Karin as “The Voice of Wildlife” to assist the ministry and Perhilitan in volunteer activities and disseminating information on wildlife conservation.<br />
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He also expressed his appreciation to the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals for their help in the conservation of elephants and other wildlife.<br />
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Exim Bank, for instance, sponsored RM55,000 under its corporate social responsibility initiative by providing two prosthetic legs for a female elephant named Elly as well as medicine and equipment for managing baby elephants. — Bernama<br />
Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-45358552006789144322019-09-09T08:08:00.000+08:002019-09-09T08:33:24.134+08:00Malaysia: Sarawak haze worsens; visibility in Kuching down to 1.2kmGoh Pei Pei <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519156/sarawak-haze-worsens-visibility-kuching-down-12km">New Straits Times</a> 6 Sep 19;<br />
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KUCHING: The haze in Sarawak worsened today, with visibility in the state capital here reduced to 1.2km.<br />
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Five other areas are also shrouded in smoke and recorded Air Pollution Index (API) readings of “unhealthy” as of 9am.<br />
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Sri Aman registered the highest API of 166, followed by Miri at 133, Kuching at 125, Sibu at 123 and Sarikei at 109.<br />
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Stations in Kuala Baram, Bintulu, Samalaju, Mukah, Kapit, Limbang and Miri recorded moderate API readings of between 62 and 99, said Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee secretariat, Major Ismail Mahedin.<br />
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Meanwhile, motorists in Kuching have been advised to exercise extra caution amidst reduced visibility.<br />
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The haze is believed to be caused by 455 hotpots which have been detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia.<br />
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Four hotspots have also been detected in Betong, Serian, Bintulu and Miri.<br />
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An API reading of 0 to 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and over 301 (hazardous).<br />
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<b>Increased hotspots and more hazy areas</b><br />
Teoh Pei Ying <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519477/increased-hotspots-and-more-hazy-areas">New Straits Times</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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KUALA LUMPUR: The hazy conditions in the country particularly in the west coast of the Peninsula and western Sarawak are due to increased number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia.<br />
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Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Jailan Simon in a statement today said haze was expected to worsen if open burning in Indonesia was not brought under control.<br />
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“The probability of heavy rains in Sumatra, Kalimantan and our country is low in the coming weeks.<br />
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“In this regard, the possibility of our country being affected by transboundary haze is still high, especially in the west and south of the Peninsula as well as in west Sarawak. The haze may last until the end of the Southwest monsoon,” he said.<br />
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Malaysians meanwhile are advised to minimise outdoor activities; wear face masks; drink plenty of water and avoid open burning in the current hazy weather.<br />
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Based on Department of Environment (DoE) data, Johan Setia Klang was the only area to record unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) of 105 in the Peninsula as of noon.<br />
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In Sarawak, Kuching recorded very unhealthy air quality at 214 and seven areas recorded unhealthy - ILP Miri (113); Miri (148); Mukah (103); Sarikei (135); Sri Aman (180); Samarahan (197); and SK Kuala Baram 2 (113).<br />
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The API is categorised as ‘good’ from 0 to 50, ‘moderate’ (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300) and hazardous (301 and more).<br />
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The public can refer to the Department of Environment (DOE) website at http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2/ or by downloading the MyIPU mobile application to get hourly API readings.<br />
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Meanwhile, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said weather remained dry over many parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan today.<br />
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“With dry conditions expected to persist over many areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan, hotspot activities and hazy conditions there are likely to continue," it said.<br />
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“In Sumatra, persistent hotspots with smoke haze continued to be detected in the provinces of Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, and Lampung. Moderate to dense smoke haze from the hotspots in Riau has been blown by the prevailing winds toward the Strait of Malacca.<br />
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“In West Kalimantan, moderate to dense smoke haze was observed to emanate from scattered hotspots in the province. Some of the smoke haze has been blown by the prevailing winds toward western Sarawak.”<br />
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<b>Cloud seeding unlikely to end haze in Sarawak</b><br />
Goh Pei Pei <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519529/cloud-seeding-unlikely-end-haze-sarawak">New Straits Times</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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KUCHING: Cloud seeding will not resolve the haze situation in Sarawak if forest fires and open burning activities in Indonesia, particularly in neighbouring Kalimantan, continue.<br />
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Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation could only ease the situation temporarily as the haze will return due to the wind direction.<br />
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“It is pointless for us to conduct cloud seeding if the burning activities in Indonesia continue. So, I hope Putrajaya will be more firm and urge the Indonesian government to take immediate action to tackle the issue – to douse the forest fires,” he said.<br />
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Uggah, who also the state’s Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman, said school principals and headmasters can decide to temporarily close schools if the Air Pollutant Index (APi) readings reach the "very unhealthy" level of over 201.<br />
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However, the ongoing Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination will continue despite the high API readings recorded, said JPBN secretariat Chief Major Ismail Mahedin.<br />
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He said some 200,000 face masks were given to the education department, which will distribute them to school children in the affected area in the state.<br />
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“As part of our preparations, we have handed the face masks to the education department and briefed them on school closure as well as guidelines for teachers and officers on duty or in charge of UPSR,” he said.<br />
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A total of 40,448 pupils are sitting for the UPSR in Sarawak, which began on Wednesday, before continuing on Sept 10 (Tuesday) to 12.<br />
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“The visibility in the state’s capital has reduced to 700m today (Saturday) from 1.4km yesterday.<br />
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The visibility during normal days is 10km and above. Thus, motorists and road users were urged to drive carefully while those riding the motorcycles must use a face mask, he added.<br />
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Out of the total 13 API stations in Sarawak, two stations; namely Kuching and Samarahan recorded ‘very unhealthy at 221 and 203, respectively, as of 5pm.<br />
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Another five stations showed ‘unhealthy’ air quality which included ILP Miri (117), Miri (151), Sarikei (133), Sri Aman (176), and Kuala Baram (117).<br />
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An API reading of 0-50 shows good air quality, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, and 300 and above hazardous.<br />
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A total 12 hot spots were detected in Sarawak,1,087 in Kalimantan and 306 in Sumatera.<br />
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Fire and rescue department has recorded a total of 97 forest and peat land fires since Sept 1.<br />
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Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in a statement today said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) would continue monitoring the situation in the affected areas.<br />
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She said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) was also looking into conducting cloud seeding operations taking into account the atmospheric conditions in the areas.<br />
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"The people especially those in Sarawak are advised to stay indoors and to wear face masks when out in the open, to avoid health problems," she said.<br />
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MetMalaysia also urged people to reduce outdoor activities, wear a mask, drink plenty of water and do not engage in open burning.<br />
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Its director-general Jailan Simon in a statement said the possibility of heavy rains occurring there and in Malaysia was low during the next one week, and as such, there was a high possibility for the haze to continue particularly in western and southern Peninsular Malaysia, as well as western Sarawak.<br />
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The haze is expected to remain until the end of the southwest monsoon and the situation could worsen if fires in Indonesia are not contained, Jailan added.<br />
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Information on the weather forecast can be accessed through the MetMalaysia website or the myCuaca app.<br />
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<b>Haze to persist; MetMalaysia on standby for cloud seeding</b><br />
Teoh Pei Ying <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519727/haze-persist-metmalaysia-standby-cloud-seeding">New Straits Times</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is in standby mode to conduct cloud seeding operations to ease the worsening haze situation across the country.<br />
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However, its director-general, Jailan Simon, said that they must wait for atmospheric suitability before attempting the operations.<br />
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“At the moment, atmospheric conditions in (the worst-affected areas) are not suitable for the operation. (If we proceed now, the operation) is unlikely to succeed.<br />
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“(Also), the cost of cloud seeding is high, (so we must be careful to carry out the operation when the situation) is most favourable,” he told the New Straits Times today.<br />
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Nevertheless, Jailan warned that cloud seeding would have limited effect in mitigating the haze unless the forest fires raging in Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia are brought under control.<br />
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“The winds are still blowing from the southwest (from Sumatra, and the east from Kalimantan). Even if cloud seeding is done, the haze will come back if fires persist in Sumatra and southern Kalimantan.<br />
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“(We must therefore wait for the arrival of) the southwest monsoon, which is expected in late September or early October,” he added.<br />
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There may be a brief respite in the short term.<br />
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“(There has been a drop in the number of) hotspots in Kalimantan. There are 446 today, compared to 704 detected on Saturday. The number of hotspots in Sumatra also dropped from 68 to 52 (so that is good news),” Jailan said.<br />
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He added that there are also three hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia and a total of 39 hotspots in Sabah and Sarawak.<br />
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As of 3pm, two areas in Sarawak registered “very unhealthy” Air Pollutant Index (API) readings – Sri Aman at 241 and Kuching at 224.<br />
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“Unhealthy” APIs were recorded in eight locations nationwide. They are Selangor (Johan Setia Klang - 125); and Sarawak (Miri – 158; Mukah – 115; Sibu – 190; Sarikei – 183; Samarahan – 199; and Kuala Baram – 120).<br />
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An API of 0 to 50 is categorised as ‘good’, ‘moderate’ (51-100), ‘unhealthy’ (101-200), ‘very unhealthy’ (201-300) and ‘hazardous’ (301 and more).<br />
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Meanwhile, according to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), the haze will persist over the next few days as dry conditions continue to affect many locations in the region.<br />
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“In Sumatra, we continue to observe moderate-to-dense smoke from hotspots in the provinces of Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra. Prevailing winds have been blowing some of the smoke… toward the Strait of Melaka.<br />
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“In West Kalimantan, scattered hotspots continue to emit moderate-to-dense smoke, which has been blown by prevailing winds towards western Sarawak,” it said.<br />
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For the latest information on the haze situation, visit the Department of Environment’s (DoE) website at http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2/ or download the MyIPU mobile application.<br />
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<b>Hazy days till month’s end</b><br />
<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/08/hazy-days-till-months-end">The Star</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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Smoky gloom: Claudia Freddy and Rita Patrick taking a wefie on the Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching. The city recorded an unhealthy API reading of 206 yesterday.<br />
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KUALA LUMPUR: The haze in Malaysia is likely to persist until the end of this month in view of the low chances of heavy rains and the possibility of uncontrolled open burning.<br />
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Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Jailan Simon said the transboundary haze was expected to continue until the southwest monsoon period ends in late September.<br />
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“Chances of heavy rain in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Indonesia and our country are low in the coming week. As such, the possibility of the country experiencing transboundary haze is still high, especially for the western and southern regions of the peninsula and west Sarawak,” he said in a statement yesterday.<br />
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He said the haze shrouding several areas in the country, especially in the west coast of the peninsula and west Sarawak, was due to the increase in hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan.<br />
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The haze, he said, would worsen if open burning in the neighbouring country was left uncontrolled. Yesterday, nine areas nationwide were flagged as having worrying air pollutant index (API) levels.<br />
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Eight of these areas were in Sarawak, with Kuching and Samarahan recording a “very unhealthy” API level of over 200.<br />
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Kuching had the most polluted air quality yesterday, with its API level hitting 221 as at 5pm.<br />
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Samarahan recorded a level of 203.<br />
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In Peninsular Malaysia, the API level in Johan Setia in Klang was at 105.<br />
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An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good; 51 to 100 (moderate); 101 to 200 (unhealthy); 201 to 300 (very unhealthy); and 301 and above is deemed hazardous.<br />
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While other areas nationwide recorded “moderate” API levels, some were close to being categorised as “unhealthy”.<br />
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Among others, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam were at 96. These two areas had API levels ranging between 64 and 70 last week.<br />
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Other areas with high API levels yesterday included Nilai in Negri Sembilan (95), Putrajaya (96) and Kangar (90).<br />
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Hourly API readings are available on the Department of Environment (DOE) website at http://apims.doe.gov.my.<br />
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Data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) showed five hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia and another five across the South China Sea on Sept 6.<br />
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The hotspot count on that day also showed that Kalimantan recorded 780 hotspots while Sumatra had 66.<br />
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An update by ASMC on Friday said generally dry conditions were expected to prevail in the southern Asean region.<br />
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“With the weather likely to remain generally dry over the next few days, the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan can be expected to persist,” the update said.<br />
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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said yesterday that MetMalaysia was studying the feasibility of cloud seeding to induce rain in areas affected by haze.<br />
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Dr Wan Azizah also said the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Sarawak government would allocate funds to provide masks to the people in the state.<br />
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As for students sitting for the Mathematics and Science papers of the UPSR examination in areas affected by haze in Sarawak next week, they will be provided with face masks.<br />
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Bernama, quoting head of the Sarawak disaster management committee secretariat, Major Ismail Mahedin from the Sarawak Civil Defence Force, reported that the face masks had been handed over to the state education department for distribution to students in Kuching, Samarahan, Serian and Sri Aman.<br />
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“If the API readings exceed 201, schools will be closed but the UPSR examination will go on as scheduled under strict supervision by the school and exam invigilators,” he said in a statement.<br />
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A total of 40,448 students are sitting for the UPSR in the state. The Mathematics and Science papers are scheduled for Sept 10 to 12.<br />
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Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Federal Government must be more assertive in calling for Indonesia to deal with open burning.<br />
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Putrajaya must consult with Jakarta on how to resolve the issue, he was quoted as saying by Bernama.<br />
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Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/08/hazy-days-till-months-end#DHWRi5VBHukDUBEw.99<br />
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<b>2 outdoor events called off as Kuching continues to have 'very unhealthy' air quality</b><br />
Goh Pei Pei <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519705/2-outdoor-events-called-kuching-continues-have-very-unhealthy-air-quality">New Straits Times</a> 8 Sep 19;<br />
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KUCHING: Residents in the state capital, Samarahan and Sri Aman woke up to yet another day shrouded by haze, which also saw two outdoor events being called-off.<br />
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The highly anticipated “Stop The Stigma” run organised by Sarawak General Hospital cancelled one of its events after Kuching continued to record an ‘unhealthy’ Air Pollutant Index (API) reading.<br />
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The 4km and 12km runs to promote and raise awareness on mental health could not be carried out. However, other activities such as aerobics, free breakfast, health screenings and lucky draw proceeded as planned.<br />
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Also biting the dust was Kuching North City Hall’s “Kayuhan Berbasikal Maal Hijrah 2019” scheduled at 7am today.<br />
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The haze in Sarawak continued to be bad with two stations recording ‘very unhealthy’ and several others ‘unhealthy’ reading on the API.<br />
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Sri Aman recorded the highest API reading of 239 and Kuching 223 while the air quality in Saramahan has shown slight improvement with API 214 at 6am dropping to 200 at 1pm.<br />
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Three stations in the Miri district showed ‘unhealthy’ readings with ILP Miri at 142, Miri (156) and SK Kuala Baram (117).<br />
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Meanwhile, Sarikei, Sibu and Mukah also recorded ‘unhealthy’ readings at 180, 188 and 112, respectively.<br />
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An API reading of 0 to 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and over 301 (hazardous).<br />
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Meanwhile Bernama reports that the haze has not disrupted flights at the Kuching International Airport.<br />
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A spokesperson at the airport’s information counter said as of 12 noon today, they had not been informed of any flights being cancelled.<br />
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“Everything is going on as normal,” he said, adding that in the event the haze worsens and leads to reduced visibility, there was likelihood that flights may be cancelled or postponed.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-82837637753648043392019-09-09T08:04:00.001+08:002019-09-09T08:33:24.599+08:00Malaysia officially complains over haze as Indonesia forests burnReuters <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519267/malaysia-officially-complains-over-haze-indonesia-forests-burn">New Straits Times</a> 6 Sep 19;<br />
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JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s science ministry will urge Indonesia to take immediate action to fight haze, it said on Friday, as Jakarta detected a spike in the number of hot spots indicating worsening forest fires across the archipelago.<br />
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During the dry season, Indonesian farmers use fire to clear land, often for palm and pulp plantations, but the flames can rage out of control to produce a choking haze that spreads to neighbours like Singapore and Malaysia.<br />
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A mild El Nino weather pattern this year has aggravated the impact of fires, with the number of hot spots rising to the highest since devastating fires in 2015.<br />
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In a statement, Malaysia’s ministry of science, technology and innovation said it would “send a diplomatic note to Indonesia, so immediate action will be taken to put out the fires and prevent repeated burning.”<br />
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A spokesman for Indonesia’s foreign ministry, Teuku Faizasyah, declined immediate comment, but said he would check if Jakarta had received the note.<br />
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Indonesia faces global pressure to put an end to slash-and-burn clearance of land, especially as fires have also burned swathes of the Amazon and parts of Africa.<br />
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By Friday morning, disaster officials in Indonesia had detected 6,312 hot spots, which often signal a fire, dotting the western and central areas of its part of Borneo island. That was up from 2,694 a day ago and less than 1,000 earlier this month.<br />
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“This is the height of the dry season, hence the height of the number of hot spots,” Agus Wibowo, a spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, said by text message.<br />
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The number had risen from Thursday as many had previously been obscured by smoke, he added.<br />
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Indonesia has deployed more than 9,000 military, police and disaster agency personnel to douse the fires, having declared an emergency in six provinces on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.<br />
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Southeast Asia has suffered for years from annual bouts of smog caused by slash-and-burn practices in Indonesia’s islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, but governments in the region have failed to stamp out the problem.<br />
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Transboundary haze was detected on Thursday spreading from the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan on Borneo to the island’s Malaysian side, Indonesia’s climate agency said.<br />
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Haze reduced visibility to a distance of 10 to 20 metres in the town of Sampit in Indonesia’s province of Central Kalimantan on Borneo, media said.<br />
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The town’s air quality index hit 356 by midday on Friday, a hazardous level, according to the non-profit World Air Quality Index.<br />
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“I implore the whole community not to burn land,” local government head Supian Hadi said, according to state news agency Antara. “The impact has been very disturbing to the wider community, on health, education and economic activity.”<br />
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An aerial photograph from the news agency showed fires had reignited in the national parks of Berbak and Sembilang in Jambi on Sumatra, despite having been put out several days earlier.<br />
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Drought has hit large parts of Indonesia as El Nino disrupts the dry season, which is expected to last until October, the climate agency says. - Reuters<br />
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<b>Sarawak urges Putrajaya to be more firm with Indonesia on haze issue</b><br />
Bernama <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/519514/sarawak-urges-putrajaya-be-more-firm-indonesia-haze-issue">New Straits Times</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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KUCHING: Sarawak has urged the Federal Government to be more assertive in calling for Indonesia to appropriately deal with its forest open burning activities that have caused haze from the raging fires to overwhelm the state.<br />
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In Kalimantan alone, 1,087 hot spots have been detected while another 306 were found in Sumatra.<br />
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Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Putrajaya must consult with Jakarta on how to resolve the issue.<br />
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“We hope the federal government can help us and discuss with Indonesia to restore the situation to the way it was.<br />
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“It needs federal to federal discussion as the state government does not have the power to act,” he told reporters when met at a UNIFOR event here today.<br />
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Meanwhile, Uggah said the decision to temporarily close schools affected by the haze here was with the Health director. - BernamaRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-20049989716606548462019-09-09T07:58:00.003+08:002019-09-09T08:33:23.481+08:00Indonesia: Air-polluting forest fire hotspots in Riau reach 154<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132334/air-polluting-forest-fire-hotspots-in-riau-reach-154">Antara</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA) - The Pekanbaru meteorology station reported that 448 hotspots were observed throughout Sumatra Island, comprising 154 hotspots in Riau Province’s eight districts on Saturday morning, depleting the air quality in parts of the province.<br />
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Of the total figure, 60 were spotted in Pelalawan District, 42 in Indragiri Hulu, 34 in Indragiri Hilir, six in Meranti, five in Kuansing, three in Bengkalis, and two respectively in Kampar and Rokan Hilir, Ahmad Agus Widodo, analyst at the Pekanbaru meteorology station, remarked here on Saturday.<br />
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At least 97 of the 154 hotspots had developed into firespots, strongly suggestive of forest fires.<br />
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A total of 45 firespots were found in Pelalawan, 25 in Indragiri Hulu, 19 in Indragiri Hilir, one in Kuansing, three in Meranti, and two each in Rokan Hilir and Bengkalis.<br />
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The air quality in parts of Riau was considered unhealthy, including in Rokan Hilir and Pekanbaru, where the air quality was also very unhealthy.<br />
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Last August, the Pekanbaru City Health Office had reported 7,745 acute respiratory tract infection sufferers in the Riau provincial capital between July and August 2019.<br />
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"The figure is based on reports from all public health service posts (Puskesmas) in Pekanbaru City, comprising 3,540 cases recorded in July and 4,205 cases in August," Muhammad Amin, acting chief of the Pekanbaru City Health Office, remarked in Pekanbaru recently.<br />
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The increase in the number of acute respiratory tract infection sufferers in the past couple of months is the outcome of the haze arising from land and forest fires in several districts and cities in Riau Province as well as in neighboring provinces.<br />
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However, the increase is relatively low, at 900 per month in comparison with over three thousand in August 2018 when no haze was detected, he pointed out.<br />
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"In August 2019, the number has already crossed four thousand, thereby translating to the fact that not all those suffering from acute respiratory tract infection were affected only by the haze," he added. <br />
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Reporter: Anggi Romadhoni, Fardah<br />
Editor: Rahmad Nasution<br />
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<b>Wildfire annihilates West Aceh's 1.5-ha peatland</b><br />
<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132336/wildfire-annihilates-west-acehs-15-ha-peatland">Antara</a> 7 Sep 19;<br />
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Meulaboh, Aceh (ANTARA) - Wildfire scorched through 1.5 hectares (ha) of peatland area in Suak Raya Village, Johan Pahlawan Sub-district, Meulaboh, West Aceh District, Aceh Province.<br />
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"The fire was extinguished on Friday morning, but on Saturday morning, the fire resurfaced and spread to a wider area," Mashuri, a local coordinator, remarked on behalf of Dr Mukhtaruddin, head of the West Aceh disaster mitigation office (BPBD), here on Saturday.<br />
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Related news: Police detains suspect in Kampar peatland fire<br />
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Related news: BPBD confirms fires engulfed 10 hectares of West Kalimantan's peatland<br />
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Fire-fighting efforts were hindered by a shortage of water sources in the affected area and challenging terrain impeding vehicular access to the peatland area.<br />
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"Currently, our personnel, with the help of police and military officers, are attempting to put out the blaze," he stated.<br />
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Mashuri did not speak of the cause of the wildfire, as he was yet directing efforts to extinguish the fire.<br />
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Indonesia has been facing the severe dry season induced by El Nino that triggered drought and forest fires in several provinces this year.<br />
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The dry spell has cast a pall over 100 districts and cities in Indonesia’s provinces of Aceh, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.<br />
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Eight provinces in Indonesia are prone to forest fires, but only six have declared an emergency status for forest fire, Director of Forest Fire Mitigation Raffles B. Panjaitan of the Environmental Affairs and Forestry Ministry stated recently.<br />
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The six provinces are Riau, with the emergency status declared from Feb 19 to Oct 31, or 255 days; West Kalimantan (from Feb 12 to Dec 31, or 323 days); South Sumatra (March 8-Oct 31, or 237 days); Central Kalimantan (May 28-Aug 26, or 91 days); South Kalimantan (June 1-Oct 31, or 153 days); and Jambi (July 23-Oct 20, or 90 days).<br />
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The Indonesian Environmental Affairs and Forestry Ministry recorded 2,070 hotspots, with a confidence rate at over 80 percent, during the January-July 2019 period, based on monitoring of the Terra and Aqua Modis satellites.<br />
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Reporter: T Dedi Iskandar, Fardah<br />
Editor: Rahmad Nasution<br />
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<b>Six hotspots observed in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan</b><br />
<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132214/six-hotspots-observed-in-north-penajam-paser-east-kalimantan">Antara</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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Penajam, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - No less than six hotspots, suggestive of forest fires, were found in North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan, the location of Indonesia's next capital city in future.<br />
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The hotspots were found in the sub-districts of Penajam, Waru, Babulu, and Sepaku, Tohar, ex-officio head of the North Penajam Paser disaster mitigation office (BPBD), stated here on Thursday.<br />
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Data of the local BPBD showed that as of August 2019, some 23 cases were registered of forest fires ravaging a total area of 65 hectares in North Penajam Paser.<br />
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He called on local officers and farmers to remain alert to forest fires, as prolonged drought will last until October this year.<br />
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Tohar also called on plantation companies and local farmers to stop using fire for land clearance owing to its damaging impacts on the floral and faunal ecosystem.<br />
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President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has announced that parts of the districts of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kertanegara in East Kalimantan Province will be the location for the country’s new capital expected to be inaugurated in 2024, the year when Jokowi’s second term would come to an end. Jokowi had informed the media on August 26, 2019, that the two districts were selected, as they faced the least risks from natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires, and landslides.<br />
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Moreover, they are strategically located in the heart of Indonesia and near Balikpapan and Samarinda that are developed cities. Thus, basic infrastructure and facilities already exist. Furthermore, the government owns 180 thousand hectares of land there.<br />
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The government has made assurance that development of the capital city will not harm the environment and pledged that East Kalimantan’s forests would remain intact.<br />
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In the meantime, the LAPAN satellite image data showed the presence of 935 hotspots indicating forest fires in West Kalimantan on September 4-5, 2019, a slight dip from 949 hotspots on Sept 3-4.<br />
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Head of the Supadio-Pontianak meteorology office Erika Mardiyanti stated here on Thursday morning that the number of hotspots decreased by 14 than that of the previous day.<br />
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Of the total figure, 452 hotspots were observed in Ketapang District, surging from 433 on the earlier day.<br />
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Reporter: Novi Abdi, Fardah<br />
Editor: Sri HaryatiRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-11004389072175883482019-09-09T07:54:00.004+08:002019-09-09T08:33:23.186+08:00Philippines: Whale shark population increases - WWF<a href="https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/09/09/wwf-whale-shark-population-increases/">Business Mirror</a> 9 Sep 19;<br />
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More than 100 new ‘butanding’ (whale shark), including juveniles, spotted in Donsol, the highest number in several years.<br />
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DONSOL, Sorsogon—One-hundred-four new butanding (whale shark) individuals have been identified in Ticao Pass off the coast of Donsol, Sorsogon, between January and June 2019, according to a report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.<br />
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Whale shark, classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on their Red List of Threatened Species, is a filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest living fish species in the world.<br />
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Each whale shark can be identified based on the unique pattern of spots behind its gills, which serves as a “fingerprint” for identification. Just as no two human fingerprints are alike, no two whale sharks have the same spot pattern.<br />
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The addition of these new sightings puts the total number of whale shark individuals spotted in Donsol at 676 since the monitoring began in 2007, the WWF said in its news release.<br />
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This represents nearly 40 percent of all the 1,724 whale sharks identified in the Philippines. The number of individuals spotted in 2019 was also the largest in several years, with only 22 new individuals spotted in Donsol between 2017 and 2018 by comparison.<br />
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The whale sharks were sighted during this year’s photo identification activities conducted by WWF-Philippines. In the first half of this year, 168 individuals—with 64 re-sightings alongside the 104 newly identified ones—were noted.<br />
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Very young whale shark juveniles were also identified among the 168 individuals that were spotted. Their presence suggests that the Ticao Pass may be a pupping ground for whale sharks, further increasing the ecological significance of the area.<br />
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“These whale sharks that pass by Donsol aren’t just important due to their value to local tourism. More than that, they play an important systemic role in providing resilience to the local ecosystem,” said WWF-Philippines Donsol Project Manager Manuel Narvadez Jr. in the news release.<br />
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“The number of whale sharks spotted in Donsol indicates that its waters are now rich with plankton, which is their primary food. They have even come here with their young,” he added.<br />
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WWF-Philippines has been active in Donsol since 1998 and has actively worked with the local government unit (LGU) for more than two decades for the conservation of the Ticao Pass and the local whale sharks.<br />
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The whale shark census, which monitors the number of whale shark individuals passing through Donsol, began in 2007.<br />
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A thriving ecotourism industry centered on communal participation in the conservation of the whale shark has helped Donsol rise from a fifth-class municipality on its way to first class.<br />
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Conservation activities in the Ticao Pass between WWF-Philippines and the LGU of Donsol will continue in the coming years. WWF-Philippines is currently exploring options of expanding the current Marine Protected Areas (MPA), or establishing new ones in neighboring Masbate municipality to further protect the Ticao Pass and its inhabitants.<br />
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“Whale shark tourism at Donsol is a long established eco-tourism venture, which the WWF-Philippines team helped set up and running. After so many years, it is very gratifying to see local communities and the whale sharks continuing to benefit,” said Dr. Andy Cornish, leader of “Sharks: Restoring the Balance,” WWF’s global shark and ray conservation program.<br />
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“Protecting more marine areas near Donsol could play a key role in enhancing protection for these endangered ocean nomads for generations to come,” Cornish said.<br />
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WWF’s global program on sharks includes work to conserve whale sharks in Ecuador, Mexico, Pakistan, and Tanzania, in addition to the Philippines, it added in its news release.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-34387491970852743392019-09-09T07:54:00.003+08:002019-09-09T08:33:23.855+08:00Stranded whales: Numbers on the rise around UK shoresHelen Briggs <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49596734">BBC News</a> 6 Sep 19;<br />
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The number of whales and dolphins washing up around the UK coastline has risen, according to new figures.<br />
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In 2017 alone, 1,000 animals were stranded - more than in any year since records began.<br />
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A total of 4,896 whales, dolphins and porpoises died on beaches between 2011 and 2017 - up 15% on the previous seven years.<br />
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Scientists found a number of causes for the deaths, including infectious diseases, fishing and plastic.<br />
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It's difficult to say conclusively what's driven the rise, but it's associated with multiple causes, including rises in some dolphin and whale populations, they say.<br />
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"Strandings aren't actually in and of themselves bad news," Rob Deaville of ZSL (Zoological Society of London), who led the report, told BBC News.<br />
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"There's a misconception that we're trying to stop strandings - we're not, we're trying to learn more about those that are due to human activities and then try and mitigate those where we can."<br />
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In some respects the data paints a bleak picture, but there are still positives to be drawn, he added.<br />
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More than 20 cetacean (whale, dolphin and porpoise) species were recorded over seven years - roughly a quarter of all cetacean species known in the world.<br />
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One, the dwarf sperm whale, had never before been seen in the UK.<br />
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Why are scientists investigating this?<br />
Since 1990, scientists have been investigating why whales, dolphins and porpoises wash up around the UK coastline.<br />
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This gives an insight into the health of marine wildlife in British waters, the changing patterns of different species, and threats from human impacts, such as chemical pollution, marine noise and accidental fishing.<br />
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The underlying causes of whales becoming stranded on beaches are not always clear, including any part played by humans.<br />
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What did they find?<br />
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Over seven years, post mortems were carried out on about 1,000 specimens, allowing the cause of death to be determined.<br />
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Accidental entanglement in fishing gear accounted for about one in four deaths of common dolphins, and one in 10 for the harbour porpoise.<br />
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Other deaths caused directly by humans included 25 animals struck by a ship and a single Cuvier's beaked whale which died in 2015 after swallowing marine litter.<br />
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Deaville said more monitoring was needed on a global scale to get a better picture of the threats.<br />
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He told BBC News: "Ultimately we want to make sure that our children and our children's children can still be out there and see these animals in the wild as we've been lucky to do so when we are alive."<br />
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Members of the public can report a stranded marine animal here through the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme .Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-51441275585223748432019-09-06T05:19:00.001+08:002019-09-06T05:36:09.287+08:00Malaysia: Elephants losing its tusks to liveRoy Goh <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/518890/elephants-losing-its-tusks-live">New Straits Times</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: Elephants in Sabah are evolving to lose their tusks to survive, a phenomenon that is also happening in other parts of the world.<br />
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Sightings of such tusk-less bull Bornean pygmy elephants are getting more common and a senior veterinarian believes more research needs to be done on the phenomenon and its implications.<br />
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Sabah Wildlife department assistant director Dr Sen Nathan said it used to be rare, seeing a tusk-less male, but these days it's becoming common.<br />
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"I have been involved in trans-locating elephants for more than 20 years and other senior colleagues dealt with the animal longer, more than 30 years, and now, we see this phenomenon becoming more common.<br />
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"Seeing elephants with tusks measuring close to two metres was common before but not these days.<br />
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"Heavy poaching pressure seems to have caused the Bornean elephants to lose their tusks," Sen said.<br />
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"This is something we would like to analyse further and get more data.<br />
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"This phenomenon is not only occurring here in Borneo but also among herds in African and Asian elephant range countries. One good example would be Sri Lanka where more than 90% of their bull elephants are tusk-less," he said.<br />
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Sen revealed this after a tour operator, River Junkie, posted a photograph of a tusk-less bull elephant spotted by its guests in Danum Valley on social media recently.<br />
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"A sad fact but also quite interesting to see how nature evolves for survival," he said.<br />
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He said studies have shown despite the human-influenced tusk-less phenomenon in recent decades, elephants missing their tusks are surviving and appear healthy, but more research needs to be done on its implications.<br />
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There are 1,500 elephants estimated in Sabah, spread in several ranges in central and the east coast of the state.<br />
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Elephants in Sabah are in constant threat from poachers, those involved in the ivory trade and forest fragmentation caused by agricultural activities.<br />
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In Jan 2017, just months after the wildlife authorities revealed a rare find of a bull elephant with reverse tusks, it was found dead.<br />
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The bull elephant named "Sabre" was mutilated for its tusks, asserting the threat of poachers in the state.<br />
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The launch of the special anti-poaching unit by the Sabah Forestry department recently is among steps taken by the government to counter such threats in the state.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-28255745921224182832019-09-06T05:18:00.000+08:002019-09-06T05:36:08.822+08:00Malaysia: Rare Bornean banteng falling victim to trapsKRISTY INUS <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/05/rare-bornean-banteng-falling-victim-to-traps">The Star</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: The banteng, the wild cattle of Borneo, are not just being poached but increasingly turning up as bycatch in snares set for other animals, say conservation groups.<br />
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In a joint statement, the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) said the population of the animal, estimated to number fewer than 500 in the state, was already facing fragmentation due to deforestation, infrastructure development and human activity.<br />
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“Besides being targeted for bush meat, the mammal has often become a bycatch in snares meant for smaller animals like wild boar and deer,” said DGFC director Dr Benoit Goossens yesterday.<br />
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This had resulted in the animals suffering from potentially catastrophic injuries such as loss of limb, he said.<br />
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“During our study, several images documented incidences of injuries sustained by the Bornean banteng from these snares,” he said.<br />
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Dr Goossen was among researchers from the centre and the Cardiff University who were able to build a series of photographic captures of multiple banteng using individual recognition of animals from their natural marks, such as scars.<br />
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Their study was recently published in the journal Global Econology and Conservation.<br />
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The photographic recapture history was used to estimate the robust population density of the endangered species in two forests in Sabah – Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Malua Forest Reserve.<br />
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According to Dr Goossens, who is also a professor at Cardiff University but is based at the centre located in Kinabatangan, several banteng were shot every year in protected forests.<br />
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DGFC, he said, had recently assisted the Sabah Forestry Department in securing a grant from the Sime Darby Foundation to increase the capacity of its anti-poaching Protect Unit in June.<br />
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“This should provide a fantastic boost to wildlife conservation and hopefully, deter poachers in the state,” he said.<br />
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Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said the Borneo Banteng Action Plan for Sabah, together with two other plans for the proboscis monkey and Sunda clouded leopard, were officially endorsed by the state Cabinet earlier this year.<br />
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“This includes setting up a captive breeding programme to boost the number of banteng, which is of great importance due to their dwindling population,” said Tuuga.<br />
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He said the department, with the help of DGFC, would also set up an Endangered Species Conservation Unit to monitor the implementation of all existing state action plans for protected species.<br />
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<b>Worrying findings published on the wild cattle of Borneo</b><br />
Roy Goh <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/518566/worrying-findings-published-wild-cattle-borneo">New Straits Times</a> 4 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: The number of Bornean bantengs (wild cattle) is worryingly dwindling to low densities in Sabah according to findings published in a journal.<br />
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This asserts the need to look into captive breeding programme of the species as well poaching and forest fragmentation caused by human activities.<br />
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The new publication in the "Global Ecology and Conservation", an open access journal last month uses individual recognition of animals from their natural marks such as scars.<br />
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With such marks, researchers from Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) and Cardiff University have been able to build up a series of photographic captures over an extended period of time.<br />
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DGFC post-doctoral fellow Dr Penny Gardner said the photographic recapture history was used to estimate robust population density of this endangered wild cattle species in two forests; the Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Malua Forest Reserve.<br />
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“This is the first time that researchers have had sufficient quantities of data on this highly elusive species that have facilitated statistical analyses to estimate robust population density," said Gardner who was one of four contributors to the journal.<br />
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"The density of bantengs in Malua and Tabin are both exceptionally low; 0.5 per 100km2 in Malua, and 1 per 100km2 in Tabin.<br />
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“Herds are increasingly fragmented by deforestation, infrastructure and human activity, and this prevents their ability to move and maintain behaviours essential to their survival,” Gardner added.<br />
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Tabin measures about 122,000 ha and Malua about 39,000 ha.<br />
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Another contributor to the journal, DGFC director and Cardiff University professor Dr Benoit Goossens said another widespread threat is poaching.<br />
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“Poaching is also widespread in all habitat containing bantengs, and the loss of any individual will quicken the time until they go extinct in the wild. There is now an urgency to control poaching to prevent the loss of this species,” he said.<br />
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The wild cattle of Borneo are targeted for bushmeat consumption, and several bantengs are shot every year in protected forests.<br />
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"They are often bycatch in snares, which result in potentially catastrophic injuries such as the loss of a limb. During our study, several images documented incidents of injuries sustained by Bornean bantengs resulting from snares,” he claimed.<br />
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“To respond to poaching, DGFC recently assisted the Sabah Forestry Department in securing a grant from the Sime Darby Foundation to increase the capacity of SFD’s anti-poaching Protect Unit.<br />
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"It should provide a fantastic boost to wildlife conservation and hopefully deter poachers in the State,” Goossens said.<br />
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State Wildlife director Augustine Tuuga said a captive breeding programme for the bantengs is crucial, with less than 500 estimated in the wild.<br />
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"With the help of DGFC, the department will also set up an Endangered Species Conservation Unit that will monitor the implementation of all action plans on Schedule 1 terrestrial species.<br />
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“DGFC was instrumental in providing critical scientific information on this totally protected species (Schedule 1) and the department is committed to implement the action plan together with all stakeholders.<br />
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"We need support in our mission to protect and conserve our wildlife in Sabah. This year, the Bornean Banteng Action Plan for Sabah, together with two other plans (for proboscis monkey and Sunda clouded leopard), were officially endorsed by the State Cabinet,” he said.<br />
Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-23517351313728796212019-09-06T05:16:00.001+08:002019-09-06T05:36:08.729+08:00Malaysia: Illegal wildlife trade rampant hereSTEPHEN THEN, MUGUNTAN VANAR and MEI MEI CHU <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/04/illegal-wildlife-trade-rampant-here">The Star</a> 4 Sep 19;<br />
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PETALING JAYA: From urban centres to deep jungles, the illegal wildlife trade is a multimillion-ringgit business spread across the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.<br />
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It leaves a trail of cruelty starting from the forest – to the longhouses, markets in cities and towns, to certain “pet shops” and then onwards to the homes of the well-heeled, both within and out of Malaysia.<br />
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Some of these rare wildlife are endangered and protected under the law, and the most popular animals include macaques, hornbills, rare parrots, colourful birds, rare reptiles, baby sunbears, deer, tortoises, leopard cats and so on.<br />
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The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime estimates the global wildlife trafficking industry to be worth between US$7bil (RM28bil) and US$23bil (RM92bil) annually.<br />
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Malaysia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, is known as a notorious “destination airport” and transit location on the wildlife trade route.<br />
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A 2016 report by Wildlife Justice Commission revealed that Kuala Lumpur is the easiest port to move illegal wildlife, whether in or out, in part due to traffickers needing to pay significantly less bribes for illegal consignments – also known as “tax” – at airports.<br />
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The report also revealed that it costs traffickers 50% less to move contraband through KLIA and Klia2, compared to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.<br />
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Yesterday, the police said it would recommend mandatory whipping for criminals involved in wildlife smuggling, and tighten conditions for the issuance of firearms licence and hunting permits.<br />
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This followed a May 16 landmark decision by the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court to mete out a whopping RM1.56mil fine on two Vietnamese nationals caught poaching, making it the biggest fine ever imposed on wildlife crime.<br />
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Conservationists lauded this as a good indication that law enforcement is finally treating wildlife crime seriously, though they added that stiffer penalties alone were not enough to deter such crimes.<br />
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Malaysia Nature Society president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail said it is “about time” for the legal system to implement higher penalties as current penalties are too low.<br />
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“Besides higher penalties and fines, more public education and regular monitoring are needed, ” said Ahmad, who added that demand and supply are both fuelling wildlife crime, thus there is a need for more education and public awareness to break the cycle.<br />
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“Stricter legislation is a good deterrent, but often times, the ones who are punished are the foot soldiers, and not the local masterminds who remain elusive, ” said a conservationist who declined to be named.<br />
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“At the end of the day, it is the local middleman who is running the illicit trade. They do not care what happens to their foot soldiers, ” he said, adding that the poachers are usually from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.<br />
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He said that while these recommendations are good, whether or not they will be implemented remains to be seen.<br />
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“Recommendations for tighter firearm licence conditions and hunting permits have been on the discussion board for years, ” he added.<br />
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In Sarawak, there is chatter that certain pet shops are actually a front for wildlife traffickers to sell exotic animals, while some shops also serve as slaughterhouses for customers with a taste for wild game.<br />
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There is no shortage of whispers about how certain rich or powerful personalities are keeping these animals as pets, even in homes located in cities and towns.<br />
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Other than brick-and-mortar outlets, there are also markets and vans dabbling in the illicit wildlife trade, especially in Miri.<br />
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Malaysian Nature Society Miri branch chairman Musa Musbah said poaching of protected animals and rare birds are happening even in urban Miri.<br />
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“In the Kuala Baram wetlands (15km north of Miri city), poachers are having a field day hunting and trapping wildlife blatantly.<br />
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“Despite MNS campaigns against poaching, there is a serious lack of enforcement, ” he said.<br />
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However, Sarawak Forestry Corporation CEO Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said his agency is serious in curbing the trade.<br />
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“We have seized hundreds of wildlife from these pet shops and markets, and we will be relentless in stopping them, ” he said.<br />
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In Sabah, state Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga agrees with the proposal to impose caning to deter would-be poachers and smugglers.<br />
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Tuuga, whose department has been grappling with poachers and traffickers eyeing Sabah’s wildlife, said the lack of manpower and intelligence is hindering the fight against the criminals.<br />
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A local conservationist, who declined to be named, said the move is “timely and fully supported”.<br />
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“It is tantamount to raping Malaysia’s natural resources, ” he said.<br />
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He added that harsher sentences will act as a deterrent for someone who is contemplating wildlife poaching or smuggling.<br />
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However, Danau Girang Field Centre director Dr Benoit Goossens, who has been involved in the Sabah’s conservation efforts, felt that caning is unnecessary, if not inhumane, and argued that a jail term must be mandatory.<br />
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“You possess (wildlife), you are prosecuted, you go to jail if found guilty. Whipping is a form of torture... I disagree with that.<br />
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“Send them to jail. Nobody wants to go to jail, ” said Goossens, who added that Sabah’s uphill battle against poachers and smugglers is due to a lack of manpower on the ground, and it is something the Wildlife Department is trying to solve.<br />
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“We also lack intelligence on such criminals.”<br />
Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-50851174542047246232019-09-06T05:12:00.003+08:002019-09-06T05:36:09.193+08:00Malaysia: Melaka grappling with invasion of Indonesian wild pigsR.S.N.MURALI <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/05/melaka-grappling-with-invasion-of-indonesian-wild-pigs">The Star</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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MELAKA: On top of the problem of immigrants making their way illegally into Melaka via the strait, the state is currently facing another trans-boundary issue – the invasion of wild boars from Indonesia.<br />
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Melaka Agriculture, Agro-Based, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Committee chairman Norhizam Hassan Baktee said wild boars were excellent swimmers, but the state never expected them to cross the narrow Strait of Malacca from Sumatera in search of new habitats here.<br />
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“The sea-borne invasion of wild boars leaves us in despair as the animal population is increasing in Melaka.<br />
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“The mystical island of Pulau Besar here has witnessed widespread damage from the ‘migration' of dozens of these wild boars, including piglets, ” he said on Thursday (Sept 5).<br />
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Norhizam said fishermen reported seeing snouts in the dark along the coastal lines of Melaka almost every night.<br />
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“Now Melaka is populated with wild boars from Indonesia, ” he said.<br />
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He said the number of wild boars could outnumber the human population in Pulau Besar if the situation was not brought under control.<br />
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“Pulau Besar seems to be the landing point for the wild boars before they cross over to the areas close to Ujong Pasir in the mainland and other coastal areas, ” he said.<br />
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Norhizam said the Melaka’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) was now focusing on eradicating the high population of wild boars on Pulau Besar.<br />
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“Perhilitan is bringing in three sharp-shooters on a mission to save Pulau Besar from the wild boar invasion, ” he said.<br />
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Norhizam said Pulau Besar was an important site for Melaka and associated with mythical stories. Some of the earliest mentions of the island are in the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang.<br />
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The fairy princess is said to have accidentally pricked her husband with a poisoned needle while sailing off the coast here and later used Pulau Besar as a stepping stone to fly off to Gunung Ledang.<br />
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The islands here are also associated with China’s famous 15th century treasure fleet commandeered by Admiral Zheng He.<br />
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Zheng He used Malacca as the forward base for his epic voyages to India, Sri Lanka and beyond to Africa. Part of his fleet was said to have anchored off here.<br />
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Pulau Besar is also home to several ancient wells, shrines and graves that have become popular attractions.<br />
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Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-69085125346385538262019-09-06T05:11:00.001+08:002019-09-06T05:36:09.473+08:00Malaysia: Penang expected to be hit by prolonged hazy conditionsN. TRISHA <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/05/penang-expected-to-be-hit-by-prolonged-hazy-conditions">The Star</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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Stifling situation: Motorists driving on the Penang Bridge that is barely visible.<br />
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GEORGE TOWN: The public have been told to wear masks while outdoors as the state is expected to be hit by prolonged hazy conditions.<br />
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The advice came from state environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.<br />
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“The haze is here to stay as we are approaching the inter-monsoon period before the north-east monsoon starts in October.<br />
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“We have been monitoring the situation and over the past three days, the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were between 75 and 88.<br />
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“The readings on the island are always higher than the mainland.<br />
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“Although it may still be below the critical level, we appeal to the people to avoid strenuous exercise, especially in urban areas.<br />
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“If you want to exercise, it will be better to go to parks such as the Penang Botanic Gardens or the Penang City Park,” he said.<br />
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A check with the Environment Department website at 1pm yesterday showed that the readings in Seberang Prai, Seberang Jaya, Balik Pulau and Minden were hovering between 78 and 90.<br />
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An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good while 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while anything beyond 300 is deemed hazardous.<br />
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Yesterday, the haze which came close to unhealthy levels blanketed several parts of George Town, with the Penang Bridge barely visible from a distance.<br />
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Phee said there were also higher than the normal cases of cough and flu reported in the state.<br />
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“It is important to drink more warm water during such weather,” he said.<br />
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However, there were no flight delays at the Penang International Airport (PIA) as visibility level was up to 5km.<br />
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PIA senior manager Mohd Nadzim Hashim said the haze was not as bad in terms of visibility standards.<br />
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“We only ground aircraft if visibility is below 800m,” he said.<br />
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<b>Penangites brace for sore throat season as dry weather, haze roll in</b><br />
N. TRISHA <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/04/penangites-brace-for-sore-throat-season-as-dry-weather-haze-roll-in">The Star</a> 4 Sep 19;<br />
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GEORGE TOWN: Penang is bracing for sore throat season, what with the dry weather and hazy sky this week.<br />
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The haze, which isn't too far from the unhealthy reading of 101 and above on the Air Pollution Index (API), has lead to many people worrying about their health.<br />
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Many shared the API readings on social media and warned those heading out to work to wear a mask.<br />
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With the UPSR examination starting on Wednesday (Sept 4), the state's environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh is urging everyone to use a face mask when stepping out of their homes.<br />
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"The haze is here to stay as we are approaching the inter-monsoon period before the North-East Monsoon starting in October.<br />
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"We have been monitoring the haze, and it shows that the past three days have had API readings between 75 to 88, with the haze on the island always reading higher than the mainland.<br />
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"Although it may still be below the critical level, we appeal to the people to avoid strenuous exercise, especially in urban areas.<br />
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"If you do want to exercise, it would be better to do so in parks such as the Botanical Gardens or the Penang City Park," said Phee.<br />
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He added that there were higher-than-normal number of cough and flu cases in the state.<br />
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"It's important to drink more warm water during such weather," he said.<br />
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A check on the Department of Environment (DoE) website at 1pm on Wednesday showed that the readings in Seberang Prai, Seberang Jaya, Balik Pulau and Minden were hovering between 78 and 90.<br />
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An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good while 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above deemed hazardous.<br />
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<b>Smog hits Miri again, API reading at 116</b><br />
Stephen Then <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/04/smog-hits-miri-again-api-reading-at-116">The Star</a> 4 Sep 19;<br />
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MIRI: Miri district has again been hit by smog emanating from local wildfires.<br />
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The Air Pollutant Index as at 11am on Wednesday (Sept 4) was an unhealthy 116.<br />
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Sarawak State Disaster Relief Management Committee and Miri Fire and Rescue Department in their latest updates both mentioned Miri as the site in Sarawak suffering the brunt of the latest haze.<br />
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Miri fire chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the unhealthy air level in Miri started during the early hours of Wednesday (Sept 4).<br />
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He said there were three new fires in the forested areas of Miri district. These were wildfires caused by deliberate burning of land, he added.<br />
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Firefighters were trying their best to tackle the fires, he said.<br />
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<b>Transboundary haze coming: 455 hotspots in Kalimantan</b><br />
Stephen Then <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/05/transboundary-haze-coming-455-hotspots-in-kalimantan">The Star</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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MIRI: Even as Sarawak battles new wildfires cases daily, the number of hot spots in neighbouring Kalimantan has shot up by three times within a day.<br />
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The fear of serious transboundary haze coming into Sarawak had grown, said the State Disaster Relief Management Committee on Thursday morning (Sept 5).<br />
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There are 455 hotspots in Kalimantan and four in Sarawak this morning, it said in this latest update.<br />
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Visibility in Kuching has been reduced to 4km.<br />
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Three places in Sarawak are reporting unhealthy air pollutant index level of above 100. They are Sri Aman (122), Samarahan (105) and Miri (101).<br />
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Mejar Ismail Mahedin, secretary of Sarawak Disaster Relief Management committee, said haze from Kalimantan was expected to hit Sarawak if the wind blew into the state from there.<br />
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There are 455 hot spots<br />
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"The number of hot spots today in Kalimantan has tripled from yesterday.<br />
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"That will bring haze into Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman depending on the wind direction," he said.<br />
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A hot spot is a wildfire that is at least one square kilometre in size and is big enough to be detected from satellites in outer space.<br />
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They appear as red dots in satellite images.<br />
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Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department in its latest update said inside Sarawak, there was on average of about 10 new wildfire cases being reported daily.<br />
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On Wednesday alone, there were 19 cases reported. Firefighters were doing their best to tackle these fires, it added.<br />
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Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-28881532327419161042019-09-06T05:05:00.003+08:002019-09-06T05:36:08.915+08:00Indonesia: Satellite imagery suggests 949 hotspots in West Kalimantan<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132102/satellite-imagery-suggests-949-hotspots-in-west-kalimantan">Antara</a> 4 Sep 19;<br />
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Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The LAPAN satellite image data showed 949 hotspots were spotted in West Kalimantan on Sept 3-4, 2019, a notable surge, from 15 hotspots on Sept 2-3, according to the Supadio-Pontianak meteorology station.<br />
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Of the total, 433 hotspots were found in Ketapang District, 123 in Sintang, 102 in Sanggau, 87 in Sekadau, 61 in North Kayong, 49 in Landak, 41 in Melawi, 29 in Kubu Raya, 14 in Bengkayang, six in Kapuas Hulu and Sambas, Erika Mardiyanti, head of the meteorology station, stated here on Wednesday.<br />
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West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Ria Norsan noted that the provincial administration had issued Government Regulation No. 39 of 2019 on Prevention and Mitigation of Forest Fires to curtail slash and burn practices.<br />
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West Kalimantan Police Chief Insp. Gen. Didi Haryono confirmed that the West Kalimantan Police had arrested 52 suspects in land and forest fire cases in the province.<br />
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"A total of 52 suspects were arrested in 44 cases comprising 43 individual cases and one involving a corporation," Haryono had stated on Aug 27, 2019.<br />
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During the January-July 2019 period, fires ravaged 135,479 hectares of forest and plantation areas throughout Indonesia.<br />
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Of the total, 3,315 hectares (ha) were spotted in West Kalimantan, 71,712 ha in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), 30,065 ha in Riau, 4,970 ha in Riau Islands, 4,670 ha in South Kalimantan, 4,430 ha in East Kalimantan, and 3,618 ha in Central Kalimantan.<br />
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Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto had earlier admitted to dismal law enforcement against the perpetrators of the slash and burn method triggering forest and land fires. He noted that the government will adopt a different approach to end traditional farming practices using fires.<br />
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Wiranto pointed out that the sanction imposed on individuals setting fires had proven ineffectual in thwarting the practice.<br />
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The minister confirmed that a stern warning had been issued to 37 corporations to end slash and burn practices to clear land, while legal proceedings against five other companies were yet underway.<br />
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Wiranto noted that the number of hotspots this year had surpassed those of the previous years.<br />
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"The largest percentage of forest fires was caused by human activities, such as the slash and burn method, for clearing land," he remarked.<br />
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Reporter: Andilala, Fardah<br />
Editor: Sri Haryati<br />
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<b>LAPAN records slight dip in hotspots in West Kalimantan</b><br />
<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132194/lapan-records-slight-dip-in-hotspots-in-west-kalimantan">Antara</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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Pontianak, West Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The LAPAN satellite image data indicated the presence of 935 hotspots suggestive of forest fires in West Kalimantan on September 4-5, 2019, a slight dip from 949 hotspots on Sept 3-4.<br />
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Head of the Supadio-Pontianak meteorology office Erika Mardiyanti stated here on Thursday morning that the number of hotspots decreased by 14 than that of the previous day.<br />
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Of the total figure, 452 hotspots were observed in Ketapang District, surging from 433 on the earlier day.<br />
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Head of the meteorology station Erika Mardiyanti stated here on Wednesday that 117 hotspots were detected in Sintang, 119 in Sanggau, 60 in Sekadau, 41 in North Kayong, 25 in Landak, 16 in Melawi, 38 in Kubu Raya, 13 in Bengkayang, two in Mempawah, 46 in Kapuas Hulu, and one in Sambas.<br />
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Haze emanating from forest fires over the past 48 hours has blanketed Pontianak, the capital city of West Kalimantan.<br />
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West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Ria Norsan remarked that the provincial administration had issued Government Regulation No. 39 of 2019 on Prevention and Mitigation of Forest Fires to curb slash and burn practices.<br />
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West Kalimantan Police Chief Insp. Gen. Didi Haryono gave confirmation of the arrests of 52 suspects by the West Kalimantan Police over land and forest fire cases in the province.<br />
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"Some 52 suspects were arrested in 44 cases comprising 43 individual cases and one involving a corporation," Haryono had noted on Aug 27, 2019.<br />
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During the January-July 2019 period, fires ravaged 135,479 hectares (ha) of forest and plantation areas across Indonesia.<br />
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Of the total, 3,315 ha were spotted in West Kalimantan, 71,712 ha in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), 30,065 ha in Riau, 4,970 ha in Riau Islands, 4,670 ha in South Kalimantan, 4,430 ha in East Kalimantan, and 3,618 ha in Central Kalimantan.<br />
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Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto had earlier admitted to ineffectual law enforcement against perpetrators of the slash and burn method triggering forest and land fires. He asserted that the government will apply a different approach to put a stop to traditional farming practices using fires. Related news: Satellite imagery suggests 949 hotspots in West Kalimantan<br />
Related news: LAPAN records 151 hotspots in West Kalimantan<br />
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EDITED BY INE<br />
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Reporter: Andilala, Fardah<br />
Editor: Suharto<br />
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<b>Six hotspots observed in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan</b><br />
<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132214/six-hotspots-observed-in-north-penajam-paser-east-kalimantan">Antara</a> 5 Sep 19;<br />
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Penajam, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - No less than six hotspots, suggestive of forest fires, were found in North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan, the location of Indonesia's next capital city in future.<br />
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The hotspots were found in the sub-districts of Penajam, Waru, Babulu, and Sepaku, Tohar, ex-officio head of the North Penajam Paser disaster mitigation office (BPBD), stated here on Thursday.<br />
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Data of the local BPBD showed that as of August 2019, some 23 cases were registered of forest fires ravaging a total area of 65 hectares in North Penajam Paser.<br />
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He called on local officers and farmers to remain alert to forest fires, as prolonged drought will last until October this year.<br />
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Tohar also called on plantation companies and local farmers to stop using fire for land clearance owing to its damaging impacts on the floral and faunal ecosystem.<br />
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President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has announced that parts of the districts of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kertanegara in East Kalimantan Province will be the location for the country’s new capital expected to be inaugurated in 2024, the year when Jokowi’s second term would come to an end. Jokowi had informed the media on August 26, 2019, that the two districts were selected, as they faced the least risks from natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires, and landslides.<br />
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Moreover, they are strategically located in the heart of Indonesia and near Balikpapan and Samarinda that are developed cities. Thus, basic infrastructure and facilities already exist. Furthermore, the government owns 180 thousand hectares of land there.<br />
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The government has made assurance that development of the capital city will not harm the environment and pledged that East Kalimantan’s forests would remain intact.<br />
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In the meantime, the LAPAN satellite image data showed the presence of 935 hotspots indicating forest fires in West Kalimantan on September 4-5, 2019, a slight dip from 949 hotspots on Sept 3-4.<br />
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Head of the Supadio-Pontianak meteorology office Erika Mardiyanti stated here on Thursday morning that the number of hotspots decreased by 14 than that of the previous day.<br />
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Of the total figure, 452 hotspots were observed in Ketapang District, surging from 433 on the earlier day.<br />
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Related news: West Kalimantan police arrest 52 suspects in forest fire cases<br />
Related news: Fire ravages 150 ha of land in East Kolaka: BNPB<br />
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Reporter: Novi Abdi, Fardah<br />
Editor: Sri HaryatiRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-81635480038141279662019-09-04T06:38:00.002+08:002019-09-04T07:03:53.617+08:00Malaysia: Nearly 150,000 to be affected by month-long scheduled water cuts in three districts in JohorMOHD FARHAAN SHAH <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/03/nearly-150000-to-be-affected-by-month-long-scheduled-water-cuts-in-three-districts-in-johor">The Star</a> 3 Sep 19;<br />
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JOHOR BARU: The lack of rainfall and the ongoing hot weather in the last two weeks have caused the water level at the Machap Dam to fall to critical level, disrupting supply to almost 150,000 consumers in three areas in Johor.<br />
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In a statement on Tuesday (Sept 3), the National Water Services Commission (Span) said the condition at the dam had forced water supply company, SAJ Ranhill, to activate scheduled cuts for about a month.<br />
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"Following this, it is estimated that a total of 149,550 consumers from 29,910 accounts around Simpang Renggam, Layang-Layang and Pontian Utara would be affected from Monday until Oct 2.<br />
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"To ensure that clean water supply is optimised under limited resource conditions, Ranhill SAJ will arrange to supply water for 36 hours, followed by the next 36 hours without water," said the statement.<br />
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Span also pointed out that besides Machap, three other dams in Johor were also at critical levels - the Lebam dam, Upper Layang dam and Pulai dam.<br />
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"However, water supply in the affected areas is still regulated with the pumping of raw water from the Seluyut Dam for the Lebam Dam and the Upper Layang Dam and the Pontian Kecil Dam for the Pulai 2 Dam," it added.<br />
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The commission also said it would continue to monitor the water levels at major dams across the country and submit reports to the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry.<br />
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On Sunday, the Johor government had initiated rationing after low levels at the Machap Dam affected raw water supply to the Simpang Renggam Water Treatment Plant (LRA).<br />
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Johor International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said the Simpang Renggam LRA supplied water to households around Simpang Renggam, Layang-Layang and Northern Pontian.<br />
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Span also advised affected users to use water wisely and be prepared to store enough water for days.<br />
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For more information on the locations and supply schedule, go to ranhillsaj.com.my or their Facebook page at 'Ranhillsaj Setitis Yang Bermakna'.<br />
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Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-28205754186995562962019-09-04T06:37:00.002+08:002019-09-04T07:03:52.755+08:00Malaysia: Johor MB - No open burning, pleaseMOHD FARHAAN SHAH <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/02/johor-mb-no-open-burning-please">The Star</a> 2 Sep 19;<br />
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JOHOR BARU: Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal (pic) has urged the public, in particular, farmers, not to conduct any open burning during the current hot spell.<br />
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He said the public must understand the difficulties faced by the Fire and Rescue Department to put out fires during the dry season.<br />
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For instance, he said firemen had been battling a forest fire in Kampung Pekajang, Gelang Patah, for more than 12 days.<br />
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“The area is mostly peat soil where the underground heat can spread the fire quickly but (it) takes a long time to be doused, which is why we hope people will not do any open burning, ” he said after officiating the state-level Maal Hijrah celebration yesterday.<br />
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A total of 140 firemen along with personnel from other agencies have been working round the clock to douse the fire, which is believed to have been caused by the hot and dry weather since Aug 21.<br />
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They have been using “total flooding” as well as “fire break” techniques to prevent the fire from spreading.<br />
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Dr Sahruddin pointed out that the Fire and Rescue Department had successfully put out about 95% of the fire within 16ha of the forested area so far.<br />
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On a separate matter, he said he fully supported the Johor Religious Islamic Department’s initiative in strengthening Jawi in the state.<br />
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“It is important for the Malay Muslim community to understand and able to read Jawi so they have a better understanding of the Quran.<br />
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“We have carried out various programmes as exposure and understanding that all of us have a responsibility to strengthen Islam to a much higher level, ” Dr Sahruddin said.<br />
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He added that the state would increase religious programmes such as making reading the Quran a norm at government departments, agencies and private companies.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-85250710862207215062019-09-04T06:36:00.002+08:002019-09-04T07:03:53.711+08:00Malaysia: Leopard cat found killed in Kuala Baram forest fireStephen Then <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/03/clouded-baby-leopard-found-killed-in-kuala-baram-forest-fire">The Star</a> 3 Sep 19;<br />
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MIRI: Firefighters dousing the remains of forests ravaged by wildfires in the Kuala Baram district in northern Sarawak have uncovered dead animals, including a leopard cat.<br />
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Miri Fire and Rescue Department said Bomba firefighters and voluntary firefighters from land developer Naim Cendera Sdn Bhd were dousing burning ambers near the Industrial Training Institute and Hamidah Orphanage, when they found the dead animals.<br />
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Miri fire chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the discovery was made on Tuesday morning (Sept 3).<br />
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He said he had informed the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).<br />
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"The feedback I got from the SFC is that the dead wildlife is possibly a leopard cat.<br />
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"It's such a pity," Supt Law said in his latest updates on the forest fires' aftermath.<br />
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"Firefighters are combing the burnt areas to snuff out burning amber that are still causing smog," he added.<br />
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Malaysian Nature Society Miri branch also expressed sadness that many species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds were destroyed by the wild fires.<br />
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The latest Kuala Baram forest fires started on Aug 1 and lasted until Aug 26 before they were finally doused.<br />
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However, smoke from the underground peat continues to cause air pollution to this day.<br />
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The smog are often blown into Miri city some 20kms away, especially at night.<br />
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Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-46172328745163282942019-09-04T06:32:00.002+08:002019-09-04T07:03:53.236+08:00Indonesia: Wildfires in Riau force wild elephants to flee habitats<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/132056/wildfires-in-riau-force-wild-elephants-to-flee-habitats">Antara</a> 3 Sep 19;<br />
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Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA) - Few wild elephants fled their habitats, entering residential areas after wildfires spread through the Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau Province, for the past week, the Natural Resources Conservation Office (BBKSDA) stated here, Tuesday.<br />
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Riau BBKSDA Chief Andi Hansen Siregar remarked that the national park's rangers had conducted monitoring of the movement of wild Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) from the rainforest to Bongkal Malang Village in Indragiri Hulu District.<br />
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Following a tip-off from villagers, two wild Sumatran elephants were spotted roaming around the plantation areas.<br />
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"Some secondary traces, such as dirt and footprints, were found. These elephants had roamed for two days," Siregar stated.<br />
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An initial identification launched by the rangers indicated that one of the wild animals was an adult male Sumatran elephant that had allegedly destroyed the villager's palm plantation. <br />
Despite detection of their traces, the endangered animals had drifted to other areas, the chief revealed.<br />
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"According to our latest check with the rangers, they had further fled from Bongkal Malang Village to the nearest area, but we continue to conduct sweeping operations of some spots in the village to ensure the herd of wild elephants had returned home," Siregar remarked.<br />
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Apart from the Bongkal Malang Village, a group of three wild elephants were spotted roaming around the residential areas in Cirenti Sub-district, Kuantan Singingi District, for the past week. Siregar remarked that the rangers had secured the two elephants.<br />
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When wildfires ravaged through the national park for the past week, dozens of wild animals fled to the residential area in search of food at the villager's plantation.<br />
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Reporter: FB Anggoro/Genta Tenri Mawangi<br />
Editor: Sri HaryatiRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-60196533687466848902019-09-04T06:30:00.001+08:002019-09-04T07:03:53.424+08:00Indonesia: North Sumatra tapir to be returned to wild after giving birthApriadi Gunawan <a href="https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/09/03/north-sumatra-tapir-to-be-returned-to-wild-after-giving-birth.html">The Jakarta Post</a> 3 Sep 19;<br />
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North Sumatra authorities have postponed a plan to release a female Sumatran tapir into the wild after discovering that she is pregnant.<br />
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The tapir was previously rescued from a plantation in Asahan regency.<br />
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After finding out that the tapir was pregnant, the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) decided to transfer the mammal to the Pematang Siantar animal conservation park until it gave birth.<br />
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North Sumatra BKSDA head Hotmauli Sianturi said the agency would ultimately release the female tapir into the Dolok Surungan wildlife reserve, which is a natural habitat for tapirs.<br />
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“We were supposed to release the tapir today. However, since she is pregnant, the agency decided it would be safer for it to be released after it has given birth,” Hotmauli told The Jakarta Post on Monday.<br />
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Hotmauli said an ultrasonography revealed that the tapir was three to four months pregnant. <br />
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He added that the gestation sac, which contains the embryo and amniotic fluid, was fully formed. However, the fetus is not completely developed and is in the organogenesis phase.<br />
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Hotmauli said a tapir’s pregnancy typically lasted 400 days, which meant the female tapir found by the North Sumatra BKSDA would be kept at the Pematang Siantar animal conservation park for seven to eight months. <br />
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During its time at the park, the tapir will be monitored to ensure its health is stable at all times. <br />
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Hotmauli explained that the tapir had a wound on its neck as it had been restrained with a rope. It had also sustained an injury to the back when it was removed from the plantation.<br />
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The female tapir was found trapped in pool of water on the Bandar Selamat plantation in Asahan regency in mid-August.<br />
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The tapir had previously been sighted in a nearby village and was promptly chased away by locals. The tapir ran into the plantation and into the pool of water.<br />
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The Sumatran tapir is an endangered species as a result of shrinking habitats and hunting. Environment and Forestry Ministry data reveals that 22 tapirs, comprising nine males and 13 females, are currently being kept in zoos across Indonesia. (bry)Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-13029482747072223052019-09-03T06:55:00.002+08:002019-09-06T05:14:03.750+08:00Malaysia: Hype about orang utan’s release but not his returnMUGUNTAN VANAR <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/02/hype-about-orang-utans-release-but-not-his-return">The Star</a> 2 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: Animal rights activists are calling for more transparency by the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation centre, especially over its silence with the high-profile release of the orang utan named Tiger at the Tabin wildlife reserve late last year.<br />
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Friends of the Orangutans Malaysia director Upreshpal Singh said it was clear that Tiger was unable to go back to its natural home and was brought back to the Sepilok rehabilitation centre.<br />
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“We are aware that it is now in Sepilok but its management continues to use videos of its release back to the wild as a success story to tourists visiting the internationally famed rehabilitation centre.<br />
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“The use of such video portraying Tiger’s release may not be the appropriate representation, ” he said, adding that it was important for Sepilok authorities to explain what happened to Tiger, which was rescued as a baby 17 years ago.<br />
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Having spent 17 years in the Sepilok Forest Reserve, it was set free at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu on Oct 3 last year.<br />
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However, it was learned that he did not adapt well to his new environment, and was seen venturing into human settlements before he was recaptured and taken back to Sepilok.<br />
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“Why were they silent when Tiger was taken back to Sepilok? We have written to Sepilok authorities but they have never responded, ” Upreshpal said, adding that Tiger’s release was highly publicised as the “journey to freedom” and “return to the wild” by the Sabah Wildlife Department.<br />
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“We would like to question whether Tiger’s release into Tabin was a success for orang utan conservation in Sabah, especially since Tiger was relocated back to Sepilok two months later, ” he added.<br />
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Upreshpal said when rehabilitated orang utans were released, there needed to be post-release monitoring but there was none when it came to Tiger.<br />
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He said the International Union for Conservation of Nature also recommended that post-release monitoring data be made public as part of conservation efforts of orang utans.<br />
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He noted that Tiger was a fully mature male, and in a forest, dominant orang utan males establish their territory and generally stay within it their entire lives.<br />
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He felt that putting Tiger into a forest could possibly have led to brutal physical conflicts with other resident males.<br />
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“Tiger has been at Sepilok for more than 15 years, so he may not have the survival skills of a totally wild dominant male orang utan, ” he said, adding that Tiger might not have the ability to establish and defend himself in his new home.<br />
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<b>Tiger, the orang utan, to be returned to the wild again</b><br />
MUGUNTAN VANAR <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/03/tiger-the-orang-utan-to-be-returned-to-the-wild-again">The Star</a> 3 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wildlife guardians are not giving up on plans to return Tiger, the rehabilitated orang utan, to the wild after its high-profile release in October last year into a protected forest did not succeed.<br />
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Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said they were in the process of trying to find a suitable site for his release.<br />
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“Actually, we are not giving up on releasing Tiger back into the forest because we believe he can survive but we need to find suitable site, far away from human habitation, ” he said when contacted Tuesday.<br />
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However, he denied claims animal conservation activist that Sabah Wildlife Department had been secretive about Tiger’s return to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan.<br />
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“It is not true that we kept Tiger’s return to Sepilok a secret because most of those in conservation fraternity in Sabah knew about it, ” he said.<br />
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Tuuga also disputed claims by Friends of the Orangutans Malaysia director Upreshpal Singh that the wildlife officials had failed to monitor Tiger after its release in Tabin which was widely publicised locally and internationally.<br />
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“It is not true that we did not monitor him after his release. We monitored him several days but he disappeared into the forest, ” Tuuga said.<br />
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“It can survive in the forest. Going to human habitation is the problem, ” he added.<br />
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Upreshpal had raised concerns over Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation centre’s silence over Tiger’s return to Sepilok and the failure to monitor it after releasing it into the wild.<br />
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He also said that the Sepilok management continued to use videos of its release to the wild as a success story to tourist visiting the internationally famed rehabilitation centre.<br />
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“The use of such video portraying Tiger’s release may not be the appropriate representation, ” he said on Sunday (Sept 1).<br />
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On Oct 3 last year, Tiger, which spent 17 years in the Sepilok Forest Reserve after being rescued a baby orang utan, was set free at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR) in Lahad Datu.<br />
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However, it was learned that he did not adopt to his new environment and was seen visiting settlements before being recaptured and taken back to Sepilok.<br />
Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-83755942712736423162019-09-03T06:54:00.001+08:002019-09-03T07:14:40.857+08:00Malaysia: Divers remove ghost nets, rescue bamboo shark off Malohom bayOlivia Miwil <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/518102/divers-remove-ghost-nets-rescue-bamboo-shark-malohom-bay">New Straits Times</a> 2 Sep 19;<br />
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KOTA KINABALU: The threat posed by ‘ghost nets’ — fishing nets discarded or lost in the sea — to marine life forms was evident recently when a dive and recreation team from Gayana Marine Resort discovered two bamboo sharks battling for their lives in the surrounding waters off Malohom bay here.<br />
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The team managed to rescue one shark, but could not save the other.<br />
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The resort was conducting a cleanup operation following the discovery of ghost nets in the surrounding waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP).<br />
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“Initially, we had only wanted to look for new dive sites to bring our guests to.<br />
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“However, during our recce, we were shocked to find patches of corals covered by ghost nets,” said the resort’s operations manager Alfonso Valirianus.<br />
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Alfonso said it was sad to see beautiful and healthy coral reefs being damaged and broken by the weight of the abandoned fish nets.<br />
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The team then brought back some of the living coral fragments entangled in the ghost nets to the resort’s Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) to be replanted.<br />
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At the MERC facility, which was established in 2007, visitors are offered educational tour, participate in conservation programmes such as coral replanting and adoption, as well as sea grass planting activities.<br />
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By virtue of being part of the diving community, the resort also supports initiatives to conserve marine life and coral reefs in all protected marine parks.<br />
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In July, a group of divers fished out 72kg of ghost nets during an underwater cleanup effort targeted at removing unwanted fishnets from the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.<br />
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In the future, Gayana is also looking into introducing underwater cleanup initiatives to expose resort’s guests more on the effects of unsustainable fishing and uncontrolled usage of single-use plastic items.<br />
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“At the resort, we always strive to inform guests that fishing and wildlife hunting are illegal within the protected Sabah Parks,” says MERC ambassador Lizio Mosigil.<br />
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“We constantly get queries from new guests whether they can catch their own fish and get them cooked for dinner. But instead of just saying “no”, we take them to our MERC facility and let them see for themselves why we are so passionate about conserving our marine lives.” he added.Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-66989900139957228782019-09-03T06:53:00.001+08:002019-09-03T07:14:40.484+08:00Malaysia: Sarawak Forestry rescues protected parrots from China 'fortune tellers', lodges police report<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/02/sarawak-forestry-rescues-protected-parrots-from-china-039fortune-tellers039-lodges-police-report">The Star</a> 2 Sep 19;<br />
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MIRI: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has lodged a police report against a group of fortune tellers from China who abused protected wildlife in their so-called "fortune-telling" business in Miri.<br />
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SFC chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said his enforcement unit had also rescued two protected parrots being abused by these foreign traders.<br />
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"SFC officers raided the exhibition and rescued the two birds.<br />
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"We also lodged a police report against these so-called fortune tellers.<br />
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"They were using protected parrots as a business gimmick and we are investigating where they sourced the wildlife," he said in a press statement Monday (Sept 2).<br />
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Zolkipli said the SFC enforcement team raided the exhibition at the Miri Bintang Megamall after receiving complaints from the public about the animal abuse by the China traders.<br />
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The China nationals were at Bintang Megamall lobby for a trade exhibition and one of their stalls featured fortune-telling where colourful parrots were confined in tiny cages.<br />
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Members of the public paid money for these parrots to pick cards with their fortune.<br />
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Zolkipli said SFC raided the place after receiving public alerts on the abuse of animals by the foreign traders.<br />
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"Wildlife is best left alone in their natural habitat.<br />
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"Those who possess protected or totally protected animals can be jailed between one to five years and fined between RM10,000 to RM50,000," he said.<br />
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The gimmicks by these China traders went viral on social media by members of the public who were upset with the cruelty towards the wildlife.<br />
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Members of the public who have information on wildlife abuse can call the Sarawak Forestry Corporation hotlines, he added.<br />
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The SFC hotlines are 019-885 9996,016-856 5564 (Kuching); 019-819 0140,019-889 4474 (Sibu); 019-822 3449,019-833 2737 (Bintulu) and 019-822 4566,019-829 0994 (Miri).<br />
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<b>Nature lovers upset over China traders' "fortune-telling" birds</b><br />
Stephen Then <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/01/nature-lovers-upset-over-china-traders039-fortune-telling-birds">The Star</a> 1 Sep 19;<br />
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MIRI: Nature lovers here are angry that a group of traders from China who are selling their products at Miri Bintang Plaza Megamall are also abusing wild birds and collecting money for so-called "fortune-telling".<br />
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Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Miri branch chairman Musa Musbah said he had forwarded a complaint on the matter to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).<br />
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"Abusing wildlife is bad enough, what more abusing wildlife for commercial purposes.<br />
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"This is an act of cruelty towards animals.<br />
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"In the first place, how and where did these China traders source these wild birds? Did they smuggle them into Miri or did they capture them here locally?<br />
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"Both are against our wildlife laws, and I have informed the SFC enforcement unit," Musa said on Sunday (Sept 1).<br />
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The traders are operating inside the lobby area of the Bintang Plaza complex in Miri city centre.<br />
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They have colourful wild birds in cages so small that they cannot even move, and members of the public are asked to pay for the birds to pick a fortune card for them.<br />
Ria Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-68408978035273028382019-09-03T06:49:00.002+08:002019-09-03T07:14:40.577+08:00Indonesia: Some 70 percent damage caused to South Kalimantan's mangrove forest<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/131914/some-70-percent-damage-caused-to-south-kalimantans-mangrove-forest">Antara</a> 31 Aug 19;<br />
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Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Some 70 percent of the 116,824 hectares of mangrove forest in South Kalimantan's coastal area have incurred destruction.<br />
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"The existence of mangrove forest in South Kalimantan is under threat. Care and concrete actions are deemed necessary to preserve the mangroves," Dean of the Faculty of Fishery and Marine of the University of Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) Pahmi Ansyari noted in a statement, Saturday.<br />
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Apt actions, including the planting of mangrove seedlings, are deemed necessary for restoration of the mangrove forest ecosystem. Mangrove is beneficial for the environment and crucial to preventing abrasion.<br />
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"As part of the concrete action demonstrating our care for mangrove forest preservation, we will organize a one thousand mangrove tree planting event dubbed 'Action for Mangrove (BUM),'" Phami Ansyari, an expert in aquaculture, stated.<br />
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The event will be held in the Pagatan Besar coastal area in Takisung Sub-district, Tanah Laut District, on September 7, 2019, to prevent abrasion and restore the condition of the coastal ecosystem and marine biota.<br />
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The mangrove seedling planting activity will involve university students, lecturers, local officials, employees of private company PT Arutmin Indonesia, and local residents, including fishermen, of Pagatan Besar Village.<br />
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The event is part of a series of activities organized to celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the ULM's Faculty of Fishery and Marine this year.<br />
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In the meantime, Indonesia currently has 3.5 million hectares of mangrove forests, making it one of the countries in the world with the largest area of mangrove forests, he stated.<br />
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"One-fourth of the world's mangrove forests are found in Indonesia. The rehabilitation of mangrove forests tops the list of the Indonesian government's priorities. The rehabilitation includes a social forestry program that President Joko Widodo has introduced," coordinator of the special staff of the illegal fishing eradication task force (Satgas 115) Mas Achmad Santosa noted in a written statement recently.<br />
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At the 5th International Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, recently, Indonesia reiterated the importance of protecting the mangrove ecosystem and mitigating the impacts of climate change.<br />
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Mangrove forests are one of the coastal ecosystems that play a role in mitigating the impact of climate change.<br />
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Mangrove forests can store five folds more greenhouse gases than inland forests, he stated.<br />
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Reporter: Firman, Fardah<br />
Editor: Rahmad NasutionRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-70758429766225708082019-09-03T06:48:00.002+08:002019-09-03T07:14:40.763+08:00Indonesia: 16 sub-districts in N Sulawesi brace for drought<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/131954/16-sub-districts-in-n-sulawesi-brace-for-drought">Antara</a> 2 Sep 19;<br />
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Manado, North Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Sixteen sub-districts in eight districts and municipalities in North Sulawesi have braced for drought during the current severe dry season, according to Muhamad Candra Buana, spokesman of the North Minahasa climatology station.<br />
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The eight districts and municipalities were Manado, Bitung, Bolaang Mongondow, North Bolaang Mongondow, East Bolaang Mongondow, Southeast Minahasa, North Minahasa, and Sitaro Islands, he said here on Monday.<br />
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In Bitung, severe dry spell affected the sub-districts of Aertembaga, North Lembeh and Matuari. In Manado, the drought-hit sub-districts were Mapanget, Malalayang and Bunaken. In Bolaang Mongondow, Bolaang and North Dumoga sub-distr4icts were hit by extreme dry season.<br />
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The other sub-districts facing drought were Central Siau and Tagulandang in Sitaro Islands, Kotabunan in East Bolaang Mongondow, West Likupang, East Likupang and Wori in North Minahasa, Ratahan in Southeast Minahasa, and Kaidipang in North Bolaang Mongondow District.<br />
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Based on data per September 1, 2019, the sub-districts have no rains for more than 31 days.<br />
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In the meantime, there have been no rains for the last 21 days in Pinogaluman sub-district in East Bolaang Mongondow District, Pineleng Sub-district in Minahasa District, Ratatotok Sub-district in Southeast Minahasa Tenggara, and Lirung Sub-district in Talaud Island District.<br />
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"We urge local inhabitants to remain vigilant of drought and possible fires," he said.<br />
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An El Nino-induced severe dry spell has cast a pall over 100 districts and cities in Indonesia's provinces of Aceh, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.<br />
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Most parts of Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara have not received rains for nearly 60 days. The extreme dry season has impacted 102,746 hectares (ha) of agricultural area and ruined 9,358 ha.<br />
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The National Meteorological, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast extreme dry season until September.<br />
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The government has forecast that the current drought, which is drier than that of last year, would spread to 28 out of the country's 34 provinces, and could affect 48,491,666 people.<br />
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Reporter: Karel AP, Fardah<br />
Editor: Rahmad Nasution<br />
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<b>Fire ravages 150 ha of land in East Kolaka: BNPB</b><br />
<a href="https://en.antaranews.com/news/131942/fire-ravages-150-ha-of-land-in-east-kolaka-bnpb">Antara</a> 1 Sep 19;<br />
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Jakarta (ANTARA) - Fire has ravaged 150 hectares of land in East Kolaka District in Southeast Sulawesi, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Spokesman Agus Wibowo said.<br />
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"The 150 hectares of land are located in three villages in two subdistricts in East Kolaka," Wibowo said in a statement here on Sunday.<br />
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The East Kolaka Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has declared an emergency status, made effective for 11 days until September 11, over the fire that gutted the the Land Management Rights (HPL)-granted areas.<br />
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However, a water-bombing helicopter is not yet needed to support the firefighting mission, Wibowo said, adding that the land-based efforts to extinguish the fire were carried out by a joint team.<br />
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The team members came from those of the local disaster mitigation agency, military, police, as well as environment and forestry fire fighters and community members. <br />
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The efforts to extinguish the fire were also supported by two palm oil plantations, PT Antam Pomalaa and PT Sari, by providing water pumps.<br />
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The Southeast Sulawesi Disaster Mitigation Agency had also sent more water pumps to the location on late Saturday (Aug 31).<br />
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Reporter: Martha Herlinawati S, Sri Hary<br />
Editor: Rahmad NasutionRia Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210noreply@blogger.com