Malaysia: Nationwide rainfall to bring respite from haze

The Star 13 Oct 15;

PETALING JAYA: Heavy rainfall expected across the country will bring Malaysians a few days of respite from the haze.

The Natural Resources and En­vi­ronment Ministry estimated that rain would persist in the peninsula as well as Sabah and Sarawak until Oct 16.

Of all 52 areas monitored, only the air in Banting, Selangor, recorded “unhealthy” levels, reaching an API (air pollutant index) peak of 106 at 2pm yesterday.

Some 13 areas recorded “good” levels during certain parts of the day, while the rest remained “moderate”.

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates “good” air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and 300 and above hazardous.

The National Oceanic and Atmos­pheric Administration also found 78 hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia, on Oct 11.

No hotspots were found in Malaysia.

The Regional Haze Map also showed that Kalimantan and Sumatra were both covered in moderate and thick haze, which was found to be heading towards the south of peninsular Malaysia.

Natural Resources and Envi­ronment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that apart from mobilising Bombardier CL415 planes to help put out forest fires, Malaysia will lend its expertise to Indonesia in building tube wells.

“They (the tube wells) serve to control the irrigation of Indonesia’s peat lands, making sure they do not dry up during the drought season,” he said in a statement.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak went to Indonesia on a bilateral visit and met with President Joko Widodo.

“Both countries agreed to strengthen co-operation in dealing with the haze problem,” said Dr Wan Junaidi.