How does haze affect marine life?
wild shores of singapore
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wild shores of singapore
a selection of birds 1 @ SBWR - 13Sep2015
sgbeachbum
Malayan Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) @ Sungei Buloh
Monday Morgue
JOHN O'BRIEN Reuters 13 Sep 15;
Since the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, drivers have been routinely quizzed about how they would cope with a tropical downpour during the only Formula One race held entirely under floodlights.
After seven years of bone dry races, the answer still remains a mystery, but a different hazard could possibly threaten this year's race, scheduled for Sept. 20.
A dense cloud of haze has been hanging over the city-state of Singapore for the past week, a result of farmers in neighboring Sumatra burning forests to clear their land for agriculture.
An annual occurrence, the smog is currently rated under the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) as being in the mid to low range of "unhealthy" air quality, but race organizers are monitoring the situation in case it worsens and effects driver visibility.
"The possibility of haze is just one of the many potential issues that are covered in the overall 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix Contingency Plan," a Singapore GP spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
"The plan was formulated and refined with stake holders, government bodies and the Formula One community.
"In the event that the haze caused visibility, public health or operational issues Singapore GP would work closely with the relevant agencies before making any collective decisions regarding the event."
A number of local sports events in Singapore were canceled this weekend because of health risks and the Singapore National Environment Agency told Reuters that the PSI levels were likely to remain in the "unhealthy" range for the next week.
"There has been a deterioration in the haze conditions in Singapore since early this morning, as the prevailing winds continued to blow in haze from Sumatra," the NEA said.
"As at 11 a.m. today, the 24-hr PSI was... in the low to mid sections of the unhealthy range."
Neither the NEA or race organizers would speculate on whether next Sunday's night race around the Marina Bay street circuit, could be effected if the smog worsened.
The Singapore Grand Prix is the 13th race of the season and defending world champion and last year's winner Lewis Hamilton will be a strong favorite to extend his championship lead, currently 53 points, with an eighth victory of the campaign.
(Editing by Julian Linden)
Outdoor businesses take a hit with hazy conditions
Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
Kimberly Spykerman Channel NewsAsia 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE: Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of Sunday (Sep 13), and continue into Monday.
The September school holidays usually mean brisk business for outdoor futsal facility Zion Sports, but hazy skies have kept people away.
"If I were to compare last September and this September - we were almost full last September in terms of kids bookings, secondary school kids, even university kids are trying to play here in the mornings. But for the past week itself, the haze PSI just got too high and a lot of them didn't want to play. Plus, they also cancelled their bookings here,” said Zion Sports’ Operations Manager Nicholas Yeo.
Mr Yeo said business dipped between 40 and 50 per cent this week. Still, the company is going the extra mile for its customers.
"Instructions were given for us to call them up prior to the booking timings - where we monitor the haze PSIs. As long as we reach 120 and above, we'll give them a call to let them know they've got a choice - whether they want to continue playing here at Zion sports or they want to postpone. And on our side, we actually postpone it for free,” said Mr Yeo.
Similarly, bicycle kiosk Cycle Max at East Coast Park has also seen a 40 per cent drop in customers over the past week, and things have only worsened over the weekend.
"Today it's even worse. Our business dropped by 70 per cent. And on the other hand, we're trying to attract customers to rent bicycles. We provide customers with free face masks and inform them at the counter that we provide face masks,” said Mr Simon Tan, Operations Manager at Cycle Max.
At Toa Payoh Central, stallowners at an outdoor market told Channel NewsAsia that over the past week, human traffic has been slower and business less brisk, especially on the days PSI readings go up. They said this may be due to the fact that with the hazy conditions, people may prefer to stay indoors.
But those who decided to head out were not taking chances, deciding to don masks to shield themselves from the haze.
"I have asthma so I'm being more careful, as the weather has not been good with the haze,” said a member of the public.
As of 6.00am on Monday, the 24-hour PSI was between 139 and 166, in the Unhealthy range, while the 3-hour PSI stood at 88.
It added that the situation could deterioriate on Monday, as current unfavourable winds may blow in denser haze from Sumatra.
NEA said in the recent haze episode, haze pollution has occurred under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that was passed in 2014, as the 24-hour PSI has remained in the unhealthy range for over 40 hours – since 10am on Sep 10.
NEA added that it is closely monitoring the hotspots and smoke plumes from fires in the region and is investigating the situation.
- CNA/dl
Haze could cloud F1 spectacle this weekend
NOAH TAN Today Online 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE — As the Republic gears up to host the eighth edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this week, the threat of haze continues to loom over the three-day event, particularly with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting the range of “unhealthy” air quality over the past few days. The National Environment Agency has said that PSI levels are expected to remain in that range this week.
While Formula 1 fans here are worried about the health hazards posed by the haze, some told TODAY that they are determined to get their money’s worth, while others are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Tickets to the three-day motor racing and entertainment extravaganza cost between S$68 (single-day walkabout) and S$2,128 for a three-day premier grandstand pass.
“I do have my concerns about the haze affecting the race, as it might impair my view of the action,” said Mr Justin Cheong, 24, who will be seated in the pit grandstand. “But my main concern is that it might get uncomfortable in the stands, especially if people around me aren’t feeling well. I will definitely take precautions if the haze worsens, but I won’t sacrifice my ticket.”
Added marketing and communications executive Amanda Tan: “I’ll probably still attend since it’s a special opportunity to catch the races and the concerts. I’m a big Bon Jovi fan so the haze isn’t going deter me from watching them. I’ll try to bring a mask along with me, even though it will be quite cumbersome.”
While the PSI levels are threatening to go into the “very unhealthy” range, some fans are waiting to see how the haze situation develops before deciding on their next course of action.
“I’m sure there will be precautions and measures taken by the organisers, such as increased medical coverage, so I’m not too worried, although I would reconsider attending if it really deteriorates,” said Ms Ng Zheng Ning, 24.
While race promoters Singapore GP had previously said that haze was one of the “potential issues” covered in its contingency plan, social media manager Farid Ismail, 28, is hoping they will provide a refund to spectators if the PSI readings head into the “very unhealthy” (201 – 300) level.
“It would be foolish to risk my health just to catch the F1,” said Mr Farid. “So, hopefully, we can get our money back for the tickets if the haze becomes dangerous because it wouldn’t be fair on us to suffer for something we can’t control.”
While local driver Yuey Tan, who is competing in this weekend’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, said the haze will not have a significant impact on the race action, he believes it could affect spectator turnout. Race promoters revealed last month that ticket sales to the night race had increased by 11 per cent from the same stage last year — more than 84,450 tickets were sold each day for the 2014 edition.
“This might deter people from coming down to the Marina Bay Circuit to catch the races, especially if the condition of the haze gets worse this coming week,” he said. “This will be a problem for the organisers because a lot of money has been spent to prepare Singapore to host the event every year. If fewer fans turn up this year because of the haze, it won’t do Singapore’s economy any good at all.”
Other drivers such as Ringo Chong are keeping their fingers crossed that the haze will lighten up this weekend. “Hopefully the PSI will not be too high when the race comes about because there will be decreased visibility for the drivers during the race,” said Mr Chong, who drives for Team Kangshun in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
“The driver’s breathing might also be affected ... It’s almost like trying to smoke while exercising, and being able to breathe properly is very important in a physically demanding activity like motorsport racing.”
Outdoor businesses take a hit with hazy conditions
Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
Kimberly Spykerman Channel NewsAsia 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE: Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of Sunday (Sep 13), and continue into Monday.
The September school holidays usually mean brisk business for outdoor futsal facility Zion Sports, but hazy skies have kept people away.
"If I were to compare last September and this September - we were almost full last September in terms of kids bookings, secondary school kids, even university kids are trying to play here in the mornings. But for the past week itself, the haze PSI just got too high and a lot of them didn't want to play. Plus, they also cancelled their bookings here,” said Zion Sports’ Operations Manager Nicholas Yeo.
Mr Yeo said business dipped between 40 and 50 per cent this week. Still, the company is going the extra mile for its customers.
"Instructions were given for us to call them up prior to the booking timings - where we monitor the haze PSIs. As long as we reach 120 and above, we'll give them a call to let them know they've got a choice - whether they want to continue playing here at Zion sports or they want to postpone. And on our side, we actually postpone it for free,” said Mr Yeo.
Similarly, bicycle kiosk Cycle Max at East Coast Park has also seen a 40 per cent drop in customers over the past week, and things have only worsened over the weekend.
"Today it's even worse. Our business dropped by 70 per cent. And on the other hand, we're trying to attract customers to rent bicycles. We provide customers with free face masks and inform them at the counter that we provide face masks,” said Mr Simon Tan, Operations Manager at Cycle Max.
At Toa Payoh Central, stallowners at an outdoor market told Channel NewsAsia that over the past week, human traffic has been slower and business less brisk, especially on the days PSI readings go up. They said this may be due to the fact that with the hazy conditions, people may prefer to stay indoors.
But those who decided to head out were not taking chances, deciding to don masks to shield themselves from the haze.
"I have asthma so I'm being more careful, as the weather has not been good with the haze,” said a member of the public.
As of 6.00am on Monday, the 24-hour PSI was between 139 and 166, in the Unhealthy range, while the 3-hour PSI stood at 88.
It added that the situation could deterioriate on Monday, as current unfavourable winds may blow in denser haze from Sumatra.
NEA said in the recent haze episode, haze pollution has occurred under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that was passed in 2014, as the 24-hour PSI has remained in the unhealthy range for over 40 hours – since 10am on Sep 10.
NEA added that it is closely monitoring the hotspots and smoke plumes from fires in the region and is investigating the situation.
- CNA/dl
Schools ready for the worst, as PSI set to become ‘very unhealthy’
AMANDA LEE Today Online 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE — The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index on the first day of school after the term break is expected to be in the mid to high sections of the unhealthy range, and may tip into the very unhealthy range — above 200 — if unfavourable winds bring in denser haze from Sumatra.
The National Environment Agency first gave this update just after 6pm yesterday, when the 24-hour PSI was 126 to 146, the low to mid sections of the unhealthy range. By 1am, it had gone up to 143 to 168, with the three-hour PSI at 222.
Thundery showers forecast in the late morning and early afternoon today may bring only a short, temporary respite, noted the NEA.
The current haze is the worst in two years, and several public events scheduled for yesterday were cancelled. The Singtel-Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer was called off the night before “for the safety and health of runners, volunteers, staff and beneficiaries”, said organisers. The POSB PAssion Run For Kids had its 10km Adults’ Competitive race and Kids’ Run categories pulled from the line-up at 5am, when the 3-hour PSI was 147.
However, as the focus shifts to pupils heading back for classes today, schools and parents seem prepared, with precautionary measures at the ready.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools have a continuity plan in place to ensure the well-being of students and staff during a haze situation.
For example, teachers will be on the lookout for students who are unwell and ensure that they receive prompt medical attention.
“Schools are ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures based on a set of guidelines corresponding to the health advisory,” the MOE said on its website. Some principals told TODAY their schools have masks and air purifiers, which would be used when the need arises.
Ang Mo Kio Secondary principal Abdul Mannan said his school has more than 10 air purifiers and a list of students with respiratory problems. The school will install them in those students’ classrooms if the PSI reaches the very unhealthy level.
He added that the school will use the 24-hour PSI range to decide on its contingency plans. “If it (remains) consistently high, then we’ll do something about it. That’s why we always use the 24-hour number as a more accurate gauge,” said Mr Abdul.
Punggol View Primary principal Kelvin Tay said that when the PSI is in the unhealthy range, the school reduces strenuous activities and moves Physical Education lessons indoors.
His school will issue a letter today to inform parents about their plans to deal with the haze situation.
Mr Tay added that parents should also be mindful of their children’s condition. “It’s important that the children are hydrated and to encourage them, if they feel uncomfortable, to wear a mask,” he said.
Parents TODAY spoke to have been equally prepared for the worsening haze situation and are hoping schools act accordingly.
Mr Adrian Koo, whose son is in Primary Four, was worried that the haze might cause health issues for students. “For the entire school holiday period, we have kept him indoors,” said the 38-year-old. “Schools should stop all PE lessons or sport activities until the haze situation improves.”
Human resource practitioner Shirley Tan, however, is not “too jumpy” about the haze situation, compared to the record high three-hour PSI of 401 in June 2013.
Still, the 42-year-old, who has two children aged nine and 11, has masks at home for her children to wear “if they are having respiratory problems” or if the PSI level reaches “close to 200”.
The current hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of Sunday and Monday, NEA says, adding that showers forecasted in the late morning and early afternoon on Monday may only bring temporary respite.
Channel NewsAsia 13 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE: Air quality in Singapore is expected to be in the mid to high sections of the Unhealthy range in the next 24 hours, and may enter the low section of the Very Unhealthy range, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a media advisory on Sunday (Sep 13).
NEA added that hazy conditions on Sunday were due to haze blown in from Sumatra by prevailing winds. As at 8.00am on Monday, the 24-hour PSI was 131-156, in the Unhealthy range. The 3-hour PSI was 65.
The current hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of Sunday and Monday, NEA said, adding that showers forecasted in the late morning and early afternoon on Monday may only bring temporary respite.
MOE TO TAKE MITIGATION MEASURES BASED ON AIR QUALITY
In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said as schools reopen for term four on Monday, the ministry and schools would take mitigation measures based on the health advisory and air quality level for the day.
In its continuity plan for primary and secondary schools, MOE said it would consider closing all primary and secondary schools to students if the health advisory for the next day indicates air quality to be at the hazardous level.
"School-based student care centres will not operate during periods of closure. We will announce the closure of schools at around the same time that the health advisory is released. Schools will also contact parents to inform them of the closure of schools for students via phone or SMS," MOE said.
Kindergartens and childcare centres will take guidance from the Early Childhood Development Agency on the preparation for haze. ECDA will align the closure of kindergartens and childcare centres to the closure of schools, MOE said.
- CNA/dl
Haze level to remain in Unhealthy range on Sunday: NEA
Channel NewsAsia 13 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE: There has been a deterioration in the haze conditions in Singapore since early Sunday morning (Sep 13), and the hazy conditions are expected to persist, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).
In an advisory issued at 11.32am, NEA said as at 11am on Sunday. the 24-hour PSI was at 122-145, which is in the low to mid sections of the Unhealthy range, while the 1-hour PM2.5 was 85-112 µg/m3.
For the rest of Sunday, the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south-southeast to south-southwest. The current hazy conditions are likely to persist and could further deteriorate should unfavourable winds blow in denser haze from Sumatra, it said.
The 24-hour PSI for the next 12 hours is expected to be in the mid to high sections of the Unhealthy range, the agency added.
- CNA/kk
Hazy conditions could deteriorate further
Today Online 13 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE — Haze conditions have deteriorated in Singapore since this morning (Sept 13) as prevailing winds continued to blow in haze from Sumatra, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said.
Prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south-southeast to south-southwest for the rest of today and tomorrow, the NEA said, adding that the 24-hour PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the mid to high sections of the unhealthy range, and may enter the low section of Very Unhealthy range if the unfavourable winds bring in denser haze from Sumatra.
"The current hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of today and tomorrow. For tomorrow, the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south or southwest, and the haze situation could deteriorate as the current unfavourable winds may blow in denser haze from Sumatra. Thundery showers forecasted for Singapore in the late morning and early afternoon tomorrow may only bring a short temporary respite," a NEA situation update at 6pm wrote.
As of 1am (Sept 14), the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was 143-168, nearing the middle of the unhealthy range. The 3-hour PSI was at 222.
At 7.28pm, the NEA's Haze Situation Update said that three hotspots were detected in Sumatra today. "The low hotspot count was due to cloud cover over some areas of Sumatra," according to the NEA. "Widespread moderate to dense haze continued to be observed in central and southern Sumatra," the agency added.
This morning’s Singtel-Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer run was cancelled as PSI levels were still within the unhealthy range as at 9pm yesterday. Organisers of the running event said they made the decision “for the safety and health of runners, volunteers, staff and beneficiaries”.
Registered 15km and 10km runners can collect their finishers’ medal at the Singapore Cancer Society office instead.
A second event, the POSB PAssion Run For Kids, cancelled the 10km Adults' Competitive race and Kids' Run categories this morning citing the 3-hour PSI reading of 147 at 5am as the reason. However, the 3.5km Family Walk is still scheduled to proceed, provided the PSI level at 8am is below 150, according to a statement from organisers.
Participants of the competitive races can collect their medals at the carnival, which is still on, according to POSB. Alternatively, medals can be collected at a later date, with organisers announcing more details soon.
POSB said: "Like you, we are disappointed as we have been looking forward to the run. However, your health and safety are of utmost importance to us, and we seek your kind understanding."
The Star 14 Sep 15;
KUALA LUMPUR: The aviation and maritime sectors are on high alert as the haze situation continues to worsen.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he had directed the Marine Department and Civil Aviation Department to issue warnings in view of the reduced visibility in some major cities and towns.
He said so far, two commercial airlines had been diverted from their landing destinations due to the haze.
Yesterday morning, an AirAsia flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to here was rerouted to Phuket before entering the Malaysian air space.
On Saturday, a Tiger Airways plane from Singapore to Ipoh was forced to land at KL International Airport as the visibility at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh had dropped to less than 900m.
“Maritime activities involving small vessels will be stopped if the visibility drops below one nautical mile,” said Liow, who is also MCA president, at a press conference after opening the Selangor MCA annual general meeting yesterday.
As for aviation services, he added that landing of the aircraft could be dangerous if the visibility was further reduced to 600m.
MetMalaysia, RMAF Prepared To Conduct Cloud Seeding Operations - Madius
Bernama 12 Sep 15;
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) are prepared to conduct cloud seeding operations to reduce haze in several areas the country.
Science Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Madius Tangau said the operations would be conducted if the air pollutant index (API) in the area showed an unhealthy reading of over 100 for a continuous period of 72 hours and if there were suitable atmosphere and cloud formation.
"Based on the recent development, the haze situation is expected to persist as the southwest winds continue bringing the smoke from the areas which are currently on fire in Sumatra and Kalimantan," he said in a statement here today.
He said satellite observation on Friday also showed that there were 304 hotspots in Sumatra, 25 in Kalimantan and only one in Peninsular Malaysia.
"The rising number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, as well as the current hot and dry weather condition, had caused the haze situation to worsen in Sarawak and several states in the peninsula," he said.
As at 10 pm today, 17 areas nationwide were recorded as having unhealthy API readings.
-- BERNAMA
Haze: Aviation, maritime sectors on high alert, says Liow
BEH YUEN HUI The Star 13 Sep 15;
KUALA LUMPUR: The aviation and maritime sectors are ordered to be on high alert due to the worsening haze situation.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pic) said the Marine Department and Civil Aviation Department had issued warnings in view of the reduced visibility in some major cities and towns.
Speaking after the opening of the Selangor MCA annual general meeting at Wisma MCA, Liow said two commercial flights had so far been diverted due to the haze.
On Saturday morning, a Tiger Airways flight from Singapore to Ipoh was forced to land at the KL International Airport as the visibility at Ipoh Airport had dropped to less than 900-metres.
On Sunday, an AirAsia flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Kuala Lumpur had to be re-routed to Phuket before entering Malaysian air space.
Liow added that some maritime activities would have to be stopped if visibility dropped below one-nautical mile.
Chopper for flying doctor service grounded due to haze
YU JI The Star 14 Sep 15;
KUCHING: The haze here has caused a helicopter for the state’s flying doctor service to be grounded and the cancellation of several events in the city.
The helicopter – one of the three used in the service – has been grounded at the Kuching International Airport since last Friday.
State Health Department director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said it was not cleared for flying after visibility plummeted to 500m at the airport.
“The pilot followed the Civil Aviation Department’s advice not to fly,” Dr Zulkifli told The Star yesterday, denying a report by a local daily that the entire service had been suspended.
Layang Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd, which operates the service in Sarawak and Sabah, said its helicopters in Sibu and Miri continued to operate daily.
“We are still operating as usual except for the helicopter which has been grounded,” said its chief pilot Capt Irwin Menezes, who is also the operations manager.
“I understand some commercial fights have missed approaches because they could not see the runway clearly. So, it’s very bad at the moment,” said Menezes, adding that Layang Layang would like to resume operations as soon as possible.
“Once the winds change direction, visibility will improve. Then, we can start. We fly to very crucial areas but if you can’t see the ground clearly, then it’s very risky.”
The flying doctor services rural Sarawak where there is no access to roads, visiting up to 100 settlements each month.
As at 4pm yesterday, visibility in Kuching was only 700m while the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading was 119.
Over at Samarahan, a suburb about 10km away, the API was 123. In Sri Aman, 160km from here, it was 106.
All other areas in Sarawak had API readings within the moderate range.
Kuching City officials said they would close recreational parks if the API breached the very unhealthy 201 mark.
Kuching North City Hall mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said sealing off public parks was a possibility “to prevent unforeseen circumstances”.
The City Hall, he added, had already called off a public aerobics event.
Other cancelled activities were a charity run by the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which was postponed yesterday to Oct 25, and a monthly gathering by the Urban Sketchers Group, originally to be held at City Hall’s Orchid Park.
Haze: Sarawak recreational parks may face closure
YU JI The Star 13 Sep 15;
KUCHING: Recreational parks could be closed if the haze breaches the very unhealthy level of above 201 on the Air Pollution Index (API).
Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said sealing off public parks could be a possibility, when asked Sunday morning.
"We haven't closed any yet but if the reading is above 201, then we could close all the parks and recreational areas. This is to prevent unforeseen circumstances from occurring," Abdul Wahap said.
The city hall has already cancelled several outdoor sporting activities, he told reporters after a gotong-royong event at Kai Joo Lane here.
"We cancelled our public aerobics classes this weekend. I have also told the cycling associations to not cycle in this weather. Everybody has got to be mindful of everybody's health," he said.
At noon, the API for the city centre was 111 and 114 for nearby Samarahan. At Sri Aman, about 160km away, the API was 103.
The readings indicate better air quality from the day before but visibility notably had reduced to 600m, which was roughly the same as when the API reading was at its highest on Friday and Saturday.
Other cancelled activities include a charity run by the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
Scheduled for today, it has been postponed to Oct 25 because of the hazy conditions.
SSPCA president Dona Wee said the postponement took into account concern for the safety and health of the runners and those involved in the event as well as directives from the authorities.
"The current hazy condition is also making visibility limited and this will pose a danger to participats running along the route in the early morning," Wee said.
The Urban Sketchers Group has also cancelled its monthly gathering, which was supposed to be held at DBKU's Orchid Park today.
According to the Singapore-based Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre, there could still be hundreds of hotspots on Borneo, almost all of which are in Kalimantan.
On Saturday, the centre's public data showed NOAA-18 satellite detected 98 hotspots, while the AQUA satellite detected 242 hotspots.
In its most recent regional haze update, it said the latest hotspot situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan could not be fully determined due to cloud cover.
"However, under the prevailing dry weather conditions, widespread moderate to dense smoke haze continued to be detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Transboundary haze from Kalimantan continued to affect Sarawak and has spread to South China Sea. Haze from Sumatra was also observed to have spread to Strait of Malacca and parts of the western peninsula Malaysia," it added.
Brisk sales of face masks in Muar
The Star 14 Sep 15;
MUAR: The worsening haze has led to face masks being snapped up by residents here.
Pharmaceutical assistant Pauline Lee, 32, who works at a store near Jalan Ali, said sales of face masks had been brisk with boxes being bought in the past fortnight.
“Residents here are more cautious because the town has always been among the worst hit in the country. For now, most customers prefer surgical face masks but I am sure that the N95 mask, which provides better protection, will see better sales if the situation deteriorates,” she said here yesterday.
Despite the smog blanketing parts of the town, most people went about their business without a face mask. One of the few people seen sporting a face mask was a clerk, who only wanted to be known as Hoon Boo.
The 53-year-old said she only started wearing the mask yesterday.
“I decided to put on the mask as I have been coughing and don’t feel well due to the haze,” she said, adding that she also avoided going outdoors.
Factory operator Mohd Firdaus Yusof, 19, said he was not wearing a mask just yet because the haze was still average.
“Most of us here have seen worse days in the past. There was once the API (Air Pollutant Index) hit critical level here and I couldn’t see the road properly. I consider this still bearable,” he said.
Nurse B. Saraswathy, 23, said she was trying to stay indoors.
“I will only wear a face mask when I absolutely have to,” she said, adding that she had also been drinking more water to stay hydrated.
Meanwhile, heavy rain in Penang island and the mainland resulted in moderate clear skies.
A Department of Environment spokesman said the API readings on the island was 85 as at 4pm, 71 in Prai and 81 in Seberang Jaya.
However, the haze was still visible from the Esplanade, Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Penang Bridge yesterday.
Haze: Nine Flights Affected In Kuching
Bernama 11 Sep 15;
KUCHING, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Nine flights heading in and out of the Kuching International Airport (KIA) have been affected by the haze as of 5 pm Friday.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) manager of KIA, Mohd Nadzim Hashim said as of 5pm, land visibility in Kuching was about 1,600 metres.
"Nine flights were delayed, involving five arrivals and four departures, affecting 934 passengers. No cancellations have been done as at 5pm," he said in a statement.
"MAHB advises all passengers who are flying through KIA to check their schedules with the respective airlines before heading to the airport," he said.
The daily activities of people in three areas, namely Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman have remained as usual, despite recording unhealthy levels on the air pollutant index (API).
As of 5pm, Samarahan recorded an API of 184, followed by Sri Aman (177), and Kuching (164).
A check by Bernama around the city revealed that people and motorcyclists had begun wearing masks when doing outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Health Department director Datuk Dr Zulkifli Jantan told Bernama as of today, there was no significant increase in the number of patients seeking treatment due to the haze.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in a statement said that as of yesterday, 18 hotspots had been detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia
Medium and thick haze smoke from hot spots in the province of west, south, and central Kalimantan are expected to spread to most parts of the state within the next 24 to 48 hours, the statement said.
In the meantime, Samarahan deputy resident (Development) Jamalie Busri when contacted said that air quality around Samarahan was somewhat affected. However residents were still safe.
He said residents had been advised to reduce outdoor activities, and if possible, to wear a face mask when outside the house.
-- BERNAMA
Haze Does Not Deter Tourists From Enjoying Melaka
Abigail Lawrence Bernama 13 Sep 15;
MELAKA, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The haze, which has been shrouding the country since weeks ago, does not deter tourists with their plans to enjoy the historic state of Melaka.
Rachael Norbury, 24, from the United Kingdom, said she does feel uncomfortable with the haze, but it was not new to her because such a condition is also experienced in her own country at certain times.
"I do feel the haze and taking it easy, but its not a big deal actually, maybe we just can't really see the beautiful sceneries here from a certain distance.
"To keep me healthy and safe, I bring a big bottle of water to keep me hydrated all the time," she said when met by Bernama during her visit to the historical sites at Bandar Hilir here.
She said the haze would not prevent her from coming back to Malaysia again in the future.
According to the Department of Environment (DOE) website, Melaka City was the latest location to record unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 113 as at 10 pm Saturday night.
Selki Lee, 26, from South Korea, said the haze did not effect her plans and she intended to continue with her tour of Melaka and visit as many places of interests as possible.
"For me the haze is just like a cloudy weather and I still feel the hot weather here,but it's just fine. I'm enjoying my holidays in Melaka," she added.
She said wearing mask and having bottled water at all times were a must for her and the current haze would not stop her from coming back to Malaysia for another visit.
Lydia Lee, 30, from China, is handling the hazy environment by sparing up some soar throat medicines and by wearing mask.
"This enables me to travel freely and enjoy my travel in Melaka. The haze has not affected my travel plans," she added.
Rose Betrand, 34, from France, said the haze had not prevented her from visiting the beautiful places in Melaka and enjoying her holiday here.
"It is important to drink a lot of water," she said.
As for Nixon Sebastian, 45, a rickshaw peddler in Bandar Hilir, said he was able to earn more during the haze as the cloudy-like weather was good to enjoy the rickshaw ride.
However, he said, he would advise anyone taking a ride on his rickshaw to wear mask.
-- BERNAMA
No Need For Cloud Seeding Now - MET DG
Bernama 11 Sep 15;
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Cloud seeding will only be conducted if the Air Pollutant Index (API) in a certain area reaches unhealthy level for 72 consecutive hours.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET) director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail, said it is part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set in the National Haze Action Plan.
"So far, no areas have recorded unhealthy API consistently for 72 hours, but MET is prepared should the need for cloud seeding arises," she told Bernama here today.
She added that there are conditions for implementing cloud seeding, among them are condition of unstable atmosphere, high water vapour content in the atmosphere as well as presence of high and big towering cumulus cloud.
Nonetheless, with dry clouds and little formation of cloud with potential to bring rain, cloud seeding will be a wasted effort, she said, adding that each cloud seeding operation costs between RM50,000 to RM80,000.
Che Gayah also expected the haze to improve in October following the intermonsoon taking place then.
This morning, five areas recorded unhealthy API of more than 100, namely in Samarahan (177), Kuching (165), and Sri Aman (164) in Sarawak and Larkin Lama (111) as well as Pasir Gudang (127) in Johor.
API of between 0 and 50 is good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).
Meanwhile Health director-general, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in a statement posted on his Facebook page said based on the ministry's monitoring at 17 health clinics, there was no increase in asthma patients, respiratory tract infections, or conjunctivities due to haze.
He said there were 5,070 respiratory tract infection cases reported in the 35th week (Aug 30 to Sept 5) which was lower compared to 6,502 cases in the 34th week (Aug 23-29).
"There were 736 asthma and conjunctivities cases recorded respectively in the 35th week compared to 837 cases the week before," he said.
For National Fishermen Association chairman Datuk Mohamad Dolmat, the concern was more towards the safety of fishermen as visibility was affected by haze.
He said fishermen in small boats determined the distance with only their eye sight unlike bigger ships which could be guided by Global Positioning System (GPS).
"We are also worried of the prolong haze which will adversely affect the income of fishermen," he said.
However to date, Mohamad said there were no reports of any marine accident due to haze.
At the same time, National Sports Institute (ISN) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramlan Abd Aziz also called on athletes to avoid carrying out activities outdoor and should instead train indoor following the haze.
Athletes were also advised to put on safety mask and drink a lot of water to ensure their health is not afffected.
-- BERNAMA
The Star 14 Sep 15;
PETALING JAYA: A total of 24 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 6am Monday.
The affected locations in the peninsula are in Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, according to the Department of Environment's website.
Banting in Selangor recorded the highest API at 175, followed by Nilai (170), Putrajaya and Seremban (both 162) and Port Klang (161).
Other areas with unhealthy API readings in Peninsular Malaysia are Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (154), Port Dickson (152), Cheras (148), Shah Alam (143) and Petaling Jaya (139).
In Sarawak, the areas with unhealthy API readings are Sri Aman (128), Samarahan (121), Sarikei (112) and Kuching (111).
Areas in Sabah, meanwhile, recorded moderate readings.
Air quality with API readings of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).
Haze worsens but winds expected to ease situation today
PATRICK LEE The Star 14 Sep 15;
PETALING JAYA: The haze situation here took a turn for the worse with Klang, Shah Alam, Subang and Kuala Lumpur as the areas hard hit by the smog but Malaysians can expect a slight relief today.
A change in wind direction and speed is expected to ease the situation today.
The Meteorological Department said regional winds coming from north Sumatra could help to reduce haze in the peninsula.
“There will be a change in wind direction and speed starting tomorrow (today). This will probably help to ease the haze,” its spokesman Dr Hisham Mohd Anip told The Star.
He said winds blowing the haze were now coming from south Sumatra with a separate flow today coming from north and central areas of the island.
Dr Hisham said this might last for two or three days.
Yesterday, Malacca’s Bukit Rambai had the worst Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 171 as at 3pm.
At least 17 areas in the peninsula, including Petaling Jaya, Port Klang, Shah Alam and Banting, experienced unhealthy API readings of more than 100.
The only place that saw a healthy API was Kelantan’s Tanah Merah, with a reading of 38 as at 3pm.
Asked about the possibility of rain, he said there would be “more rain” for northern peninsula states, including Kelantan.
“As for other states, not much,” he added.
The department, he said, was on standby for cloud-seeding, adding that the atmosphere was not “favourable” for now as there were less clouds around.
Dr Hisham had previously expected the haze to last until Sept 20 when winds would blow the smoke back to Indonesia with more rain expected.
Meanwhile, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said satellite images detected 53 hotspots in Sumatra and another 97 in Kalimantan. Two were found in Malaysia.
However, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the actual number was not known due to cloud cover.
He added that while more haze was expected to come over large parts of the country, this was expected to end with the inter-monsoon period from mid-September.
“During this season, the country will be wetter compared to now, especially in the west coast states in the peninsula and west Sabah, and a change in wind direction,” he said.
Dr Wan Junaidi said 3,270 open burning cases were detected from Jan 1 to Sept 12 this year.
To report an open burning case, the public can call the Fire Department at 999 or the Department of Environment at 1-800-88-2727.
Air quality worsens nationwide, 19 areas record unhealthy API
TAN YI LIANG The Star 13 Sep 15;
PETALING JAYA: A total of 19 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 5pm Sunday.
The affected locations in the peninsula are in Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Johor, according to the Department of Environment's website.
Bukit Rambai in Malacca recorded the highest API at 169, followed by Banting, Selangor (168), Malacca city (166), Nilai (161), Port Dickson (150), Putrajaya (156), Seremban (155), Port Klang (155) and Shah Alam (151).
Other areas with unhealthy API readings in peninsula Malaysia are Muar (147), Petaling Jaya (144), Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (131), Cheras (129) and Pasir Gudang (105).
In Sarawak, the areas with unhealthy API readings are Samarahan (128), Sri Aman (110) and Sarikei (101).
The air quality has worsened slightly since Sunday morning, with 17 areas recording unhealthy API readings at 11am.
Air quality with API readings of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).
Seventeen areas record unhealthy API readings
The Star 13 Sep 15;
KUALA LUMPUR: Seventeen areas in the peninsula and Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 11am Sunday.
The affected locations in the peninsula are in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Johor, according to the Department of Environment's website.
Bukit Rambai recorded the highest API at 166, followed by Bandaraya Melaka (164), Port Dickson (156), Nilai (150) and Banting (147).
Other areas with unhealthy API readings are Seremban (145), Muar (142), Port Klang (137), Putrajaya (136), Shah Alam (134), Petaling Jaya (130), Batu Muda (115), Cheras (112), Samarahan (110), Kuching (109), Pasir Gudang (107) and Sri Aman (103).
Earlier at 8am, 18 areas recorded unhealthy API readings, with Bukit Rambai the highest at 160.
Kuala Selangor, which earlier recorded a reading of 101, moved out of the unhealthy zone, posting a reading of 98.
The other areas with unhealthy API readings as at 8am were Seremban (139), Muar (136), Port Klang (136), Putrajaya (132), Shah Alam (130), Petaling Jaya (127), Batu Muda (115), Cheras (110), Samarahan (109), Kuching (105), Pasir Gudang (105), Sri Aman (103) and Kuala Selangor (101).
Air quality with API readings of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).
Today Online 14 Sep 15; from Jakarta Globe
I find it remarkable that after several decades of forest and peatland fires, and associated haze problems, governmental and non-governmental organisations are still barking up the wrong tree in the fire and haze blaming game.
In a recent Jakarta Globe article, President Joko Widodo talks tough on fires and haze, blaming “disobedient plantation companies for setting the fires to clear land for planting”. Similarly, the article quotes environmental activists who point to plantation companies for being the biggest cause of fires and haze.
Dear, oh dear — does anyone ever read the studies about causes of forest fire and haze in Indonesia? Apparently not. Or maybe people do, but they prefer to ignore the facts and reiterate the more convenient fictions.
COMPLEX PROBLEM
So I say it again, just in case there is someone out there willing to listen. Studies of fire and haze in Kalimantan and Sumatra point firmly towards small-scale farmers and other under-the-radar, mid-scale land-owners, rather than large companies as the main cause of fires and haze.
A study published last month in the journal Environmental Research Letters clearly shows that, on Sumatra, 59 per cent of fire emissions originate from outside timber and oil-palm concession boundaries. These non-concession-related fires generated 62 per cent of smoke exposure in equatorial South-east Asia (primarily Singapore and Malaysia).
In Kalimantan, non-concession fires play an even bigger role. Fires outside concessions generated 73 per cent of all emissions and 76 per cent of smoke affecting equatorial South-east Asia.
These findings are in line with similar results based on more detailed studies in Riau and published in Nature last year. In Riau, 52 per cent of the total burnt area in 2013 was within concessions. However, 60 per cent of these burned areas were occupied and used by small and medium landholders.
And another scientific publication on the causes of Indonesian forest fires showed that, even 15 years ago, when oil-palm companies were involved a lot more frequently than now in land-clearing with fire, rural communities were a dominant cause of fires in both Sumatra and Kalimantan.
The key point is that the fire and haze problem in Indonesia is complex, with multiple actors playing a role. Focusing on large concessions alone, which the Indonesian government and also non-government organisations seem to do, is not going to do much to reduce the problem.
If the President wants “no more forest fires next year”, his government needs to get realistic about real causes and think about how to address these effectively.
Anyone who has ever spent time in Kalimantan or Sumatra during the dry season knows that burning land for agriculture, for hunting, or just for fun is a favourite pastime of many. Most districts have laws in place that prohibit this kind of burning, but the big issue is that no one pays any heed to these laws and consequently, they are largely ignored.
A NEW APPROACH
If the Indonesian government really wants to reduce the fire and haze problem, it needs to get far more specific in its management. Setting up task forces that look out for fires so that they can direct fire-fighting helicopters and cloud-seeding activities in the right direction are mostly window-dressing and will not do much to reduce the underlying problem of Indonesia’s many arsonists. An expert meeting on the fire problem on Aug 25 similarly recommended shifting the emphasis from fire-fighting to fire prevention.
First, and most immediately, you start with law enforcement. You get the army and police involved to track down anyone illegally setting fire to land, and take legal action. If the law says burning is illegal, prosecute the perpetrators — how hard is that? You advertise burning prohibitions widely, through radio, television, newspapers, social media, billboards and public speeches by governors, district heads and others. And you make sure that everyone understands that this time, it is serious.
In the longer term, Sumatra and Kalimantan may need somewhat different approaches. On Sumatra, where most fire emissions are generated from peat lands, the government has to stop giving out concession licences on coastal peats. As I argued before, plantation development in coastal peatlands is unsustainable and will cause major economic losses to Indonesia. These peat lands need to be reforested and their original hydrology restored. That is the only way to stop peat burning.
In Kalimantan, where burning by local communities plays an even bigger role than in Sumatra, the focus may need to be more on stopping unsustainable slash-and-burn cultivation activities, especially in peat lands. Develop solid agricultural support programmes that provide subsidies for non-destructive land uses that use more advanced fertilisation and irrigation techniques and higher-yield crops.
Ultimately, Indonesia urgently needs to start taking the costs of development into consideration and not focus only on the benefits.
Fires and haze, just like flooding, water pollution, increased temperatures following deforestation and other issues, are costing society tens of billions of dollars in damage annually, but this is rarely noted by those in power. Fires and haze alone caused US$3.5 billion (S$4.94 billion) of losses to Indonesia in the past few years, according to the Jakarta Globe.
Who is counting the costs of floods that increase with deforestation and displace up to half-a-million people annually in Kalimantan alone?
And has anyone even tried to estimate the major economic impact of the much higher temperatures that prevail after a forest has been turned into a grassland or plantation?
Communities complain a lot about the heat, the associated reduced crop yields and the disease outbreaks. They know the costs, but who else is listening?
The science is there to inform decisions on all levels of government and to find lasting solutions, for Indonesia’s own sake. THE JAKARTA GLOBE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erik Meijaard is a conservation scientist coordinating the Borneo Futures initiative.
Hans Nicholas Jong, The Jakarta Post 13 Sep 15;
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by palm oil company PT Kallista Alam and ordered the company to pay fines totalling Rp 366 billion (US$25.6 million) for illegally burning large swathes of the Tripa forest in Aceh, a verdict that many hope could set a precedent for future law enforcement against agro-forestry companies.
The Environment and Forestry Ministry, which filed the lawsuit against PT Kallista Alam back in 2012, said the ruling was unprecedented, especially the size of the fine ordered in an environmental case.
“As far as I know, nothing has been as big as this,” the ministry’s law enforcement director-general Rasio Ridho Sani, told The Jakarta Post.
In early 2014, the Meulaboh District Court in Aceh found PT Kallista Alam guilty of burning around 1,000 hectares of the Tripa forest, which lies within Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem, the only place on Earth where tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans can be found living together in the wild.
The court ordered the company to pay Rp 114.3 billion in compensation and Rp 251.7 billion to restore the affected areas of forest.
The company then filed an unsuccessful appeal at the Banda Aceh District Court before finally submitting its appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court rejected the appeal on Aug. 28.
“The verdict shows that judges certified with environmental licenses have a clear understanding of the impact of land and forest burning,” Rasio said.
He expected the verdict could be used as a precedent for ongoing and future cases.
“We hope it becomes a reference for judges hearing cases in Palembang against PT Bumi Mekar Hijau and North Jakarta in the case of PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa,” said Rasio.
With regard to PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa, the ministry has filed a civil lawsuit at the North Jakarta District Court against the company, demanding Rp 119.88 billion in fines for damaging the environment and Rp 371.12 billion for the recovery of the area.
In a bigger case, the ministry has also filed civil lawsuits with the Palembang District Court in South Sumatra against PT Bumi Mekar Hijau for allegedly causing fires in 20,000 hectares in Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra.
It has demanded the company pay a fine of Rp 2.6 trillion for damaging the environment and Rp 5.2 trillion for its recovery. Both trials are currently ongoing.
“It’s the biggest lawsuit we’ve ever filed,” Rasio said, adding that the lawsuit would reimburse the state Rp 7.8 trillion if it was successful. “So, I hope the judges handling these cases can learn from the Supreme Court’s verdict [on PT Kallista Alam].”
PT Bumi Mekar Hijau is a subsidiary of Asia Pulp and Paper. It has concessions amounting to 250,370 hectares in Ogan Komering Ilir. Based on data from the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), most of the locations of fires in the province are on the company’s concessions.
The ministry has been actively suing plantation companies for causing forest fires since 2013. The companies use the slash-and-burn method to open up forest areas as it is so cheap.
“We are preparing to file civil lawsuits against five other companies. Maybe next week we will do so,” Rasio said.
The ministry is stepping up its legal actions against the companies as the haze caused by smoke continued to blanket much of Sumatra on Saturday.
Intensifying forest fires in Sumatra have paralyzed Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport in the Riau provincial capital of Pekanbaru as the haze has reduced visibility in the city to only 100 meters, compared to the normal 10,000 meters.
“No planes can fly,” said airport duty manager Hasnan in Pekanbaru on Saturday, adding that the airport runway was covered by ash.
Since Friday, the thick smoke from forest fires has shrouded Pekanbaru, after rain had fallen on the city earlier in the week. Hasnan said that 32 flights had been delayed on Friday.
The Pekanbaru station of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the Tera and Aqua satellites detected 883 hot spots in the Sumatra forests, indicating the spread of forest fires. This was substantially worse than the situation of the day before when 665 hot spots were recorded.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said on Saturday that the haze from Sumatra and Kalimantan had already spread to Singapore and parts of Sarawak in East Malaysia.
“Winds blowing north east caused haze from Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra to cover Singapore. The biggest source of the haze came from South Sumatra,” BNPS spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.
Haze causes chaos at Pekanbaru airport
thejakartapost.com 13 Sep 15;
Nineteen flights were canceled at Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Sunday because of thick haze, airport authorities have said.
“Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Sriwijaya and Fire Fly have informed us of the cancellation of their flights for today,” said the airport’s duty manager Hasnan as quoted by Antara.
The four airlines, Hasnan said, which had cancelled their flights since Saturday, served both domestic and international routes, including from Pekanbaru to Jakarta, Medan and Kuala Lumpur.
He added that 68 flights should have departed from and arrived at Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, Pekanbaru, on Sunday, but as of noon, no flight activity had taken place, with visibility reduced to between 300 and 500 meters on Sunday morning. At around 10 a.m., visibility increased to around 1,000 meters.
Citing data provided by the airport’s information center, Hasnan said two airlines had informed the authorities that their flights would be ready for landing despite limited visibility of around 1,000 meters. The flights in question were an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur and a Citilink flight from Batam. (ebf)
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