Malaysia: Monsoon transition will continue until early may: DOE

SERI NOR NADIAH New Straits Times 24 Mar 15;

KUALA LUMPUR: The current haze-like situation in the city is due to the presence of water vapour in the atmosphere.

Department of Environment Air Division senior principal assistant director Noraziah Jaafar said the country is currently experiencing a monsoon transition, which is expected to continue until early May.

“The Air Pollution Index showed that Miri is the only town in the country with a higher reading compared to the others.

“This is due to the bush fires there,” she told the New Straits Times.

She also warned of thunderstorms, flash floods and strong winds occuring during the transition period.

500 forest and bush fires due to dry spell this month: KK Fire and Rescue Dept
FATMA WATI MUNIR New Straits Times 24 Mar 15;

KOTA KINABALU : The Fire and Rescue Department responded to over 500 cases of forest and bush fires around the state this month due to the prolonged dry spell.

Its State director Nordin Pauzi said the district here and Papar recorded the highest number of cases this month at 131 and 69 respectively.

Meanwhile bush fire brought by the dry spell has ravaged the Katagazan Cemetery in Penampang on Sunday.

Babaig Condolence Committee chairman Victor Tokuyuk some of the graves in the cemetery were damaged and the surrounding area too needs to be cleared to prevent another Bush fire from spreading.

"Hopefully the government can help us here with the clearing works before it triggers another round of Bush fire," he said.

The dry spell which began in mid February is expected to continue next month before the transitional monsoon brings rain by May.