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Indonesia: Satellites detect 365 hotspots across Sumatra
Antara 17 Aug 16;
Pekanbaru, Riau, Aug 17 (Antara) - The Terra and Aqua satellites of NASA have detected a total of 365 hotspots across Sumatra Island on Wednesday morning, a drastic increase from 92 recorded on the previous day.
Some 278 hotspots were found in Riau Province, Slamet Riyadi, spokesman of the Pekanbaru meteorology office, stated here, Wednesday, quoting data released by Indonesias National Institute of Aeronautics and Space.
As many as 42 hotspots were detected in North Sumatra, 27 in Bangka Belitung, seven in South Sumatra, five in Jambi, four in West Sumatra, and two in Riau Islands.
In Riau Province, 278 hotspots were detected in 10 districts and cities, including 123 hotspots in Rokan Hilir, 36 in the Meranti Island District, 28 in Siak, 22 in Bengkalis, and 20 in Dumai.
Of the 278 hotspots, 192 were confirmed to have originated from forest, peatland, and plantation fires.
Chief of the Wirabima 031 Sub-regional Military Command Brigadier General Nurendi said he has deployed some 100 military personnel to help extinguish the wildfires in Rokan Hilir.
In the meantime, hotspots indicating forest, peatland and plantation fires have been detected in several provinces in Indonesia lately.
Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan have declared an emergency alert status in anticipation of land and forest fires, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
"The other provinces prone to land and forest fires are South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan and North Sumatra, but they have not declared an emergency status alert," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, BNPB spokesman, stated.
"The other provinces prone to land and forest fires are South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan and North Sumatra, but they have not declared an emergency status alert," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, BNPB spokesman, said.
Following the declaration of such an alert, the BNPB will lend assistance to regional disaster mitigation offices in the five provinces in addressing land and forest fires, he stated.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) recently led a cabinet meeting on forest fires, and passed orders for immediate action to prevent forest fires from spreading and become uncontrollable.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR)
Firemen work round the clock to control forest fires in Riau
Channel NewsAsia 17 Aug 16;
KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA: A special fire fighting team has been ordered to work round the clock to monitor forest fires at 74 hotspots in Indonesia's Riau province, Sumatra.
The forest fires, in oil palm plantations, are reported to have affected neighbouring Malaysia, causing the air quality in several states to deteriorate. In Malaysia, 31 areas recorded a moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 5pm on Wednesday (Aug 17), with one further area (Tanjung Malim) recording an unhealthy API reading of 110.
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.
On Tuesday, Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the situation in Malaysia was influenced by transboundary haze due to land and forest fires in central Sumatra brought by the Southwest Monsoon winds.
Riau police chief Supriyanto was reported by local media as saying that the special team, consisting of firemen, police, the army and navy, had been able to control the fire at 50 hotspots and was working to control the fire at other hotspots.
These included Bengkalis, Kotamadya Dumai, Meranti Island, Pelalawan, Rokan Hulu and Siak.
He said various techniques, including water bombing, were used by the team to fight the fire.
According to reports on Tuesday from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre based in Singapore, the number of hotspots in Indonesia had been increasing over the last few days.
- Bernama/nc
Forest fire cases dropped significantly in 2016
Antara 17 Aug 16;
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has claimed that the number of forest fire cases dropped by 78 percent as of August this year, compared to last year.
"In 2016, there has been a drastic decrease of up to 76 percent in the number of such cases," the minister said on the home affairs ministrys website, Tuesday.
The significant drop was a result of the hard work of regional heads and security personnel, and was also attributed to the enhanced awareness on the part of plantation companies managers, he added.
Integrated and early fire detection and extinguishing systems have also been applied up to the rural area level.
Village chiefs in eight areas, where local customs allowed slash and burn farming methods, were able to adopt new ways, thanks to the governments public awareness campaign.
The role played by the regional governments, supported by the military, the police, various companies and the community, proved crucial to tackling the problem, Kumolo stated.
"In addition to the active role played by the state apparatus and the community, involving timber plantation concession holders (HTI) helped put in place important preventive measures," he noted.
The National Police claimed that they handled 105 forest fire cases across Indonesia up to August 2016.
In 2015, the National Police had handled 275 forest fire cases, including those involving nine companies that are still under the investigation process.(*)
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Malaysia: Hazy days continue in Klang Valley
FIRDAOUS FADZIL The Star 18 Aug 16;
PETALING JAYA: Yesterday was another dreary day for Klang Valley folks as the haze continues to blanket many areas for most of the day.
As the number of hot spot rises in Indonesia, more areas are beginning to feel the effect, with Tanjung Malim becoming the first to record an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) level of 110.
The air quality is considered unhealthy when the reading is between 101 and 200.
The index showed an increase in more areas with moderate reading. Only 20 out of 52 areas are marked as having low pollution.
As at 5pm, apart from Tanjung Malim, five other areas hit above 70 mark, namely Shah Alam (80), Kuala Selangor (81), Banting (73), Port Klang (84), Ipoh (70) and Kuching (71).
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the haze was caused by the fire in the middle of Sumatra, which was carried by the south-west monsoon.
Based on Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre there has been an increase in the number of hotspots detected by NOAA-19 Satellite.
“Seventy-seven hot spots were detected in Kalimantan and 23 in Sumatra,” said Wan Junaidi yesterday.
He said four hotspots were detected in Pahang and Sarawak and they were now being investigated and actions would be taken against those responsible.
Wan Junaidi said Malaysia was still waiting for a formal request from Indonesia to help resolve the peat fire problems there.
He said Indonesia had deployed 3,000 police personnel and soldiers to help the fire and rescue department put out the fire.
“We will also activate our haze committee next week and begin our meeting on how to overcome the situation,” said Wan Junaidi.
He also reminded the public not to burn openly or allow their land or premises to be trespassed to prevent open burning from happening.
Dry weather, open burning causing haze
WANI MUTHIAH The Star 17 Aug 16;
KLANG: Dry weather conditions along with south-westerly winds now blowing in the region, coupled with open burning are causing hazy conditions.
This occurance is prevalent especially over the central part of Peninsular Malaysia, which include Klang Valley, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.
He added that Malaysia is currently experiencing the southwest monsoon since the third week of May 2016, which is expected to last until mid September 2016.
"During the southwest monsoon, the atmospheric conditions throughout the country will be dry and thus, bring less rain to the country as compared to other seasons," said Tangau.
Haze associated with local burning activities and transboundary haze from the neighbouring country is expected to occur during the dry weather conditions.
However, isolated afternoon rain is expected to occur throughout the country until end of this week.
"Likewise, the south westerly wind is expected to persist till end of the week.
"As such, should the transboundary haze persist or local burning activities occur, hazy weather condition could be expected in our country," said Tangau.
He said based on the satellite image at 3.28pm Tuesday, two hotspots were detected in Pahang and two other hotspots in Sarawak.
Twenty three hotspots were also detected in central Sumatera and 77 hotspots in north western Kalimantan, said Tangau.
Haze briefly crosses into unhealthy range in Malaysia
Today Online 17 Aug 16;
KUALA LUMPUR — The haze in Malaysia worsened on Wednesday (Aug 17), with some areas crossing into the unhealthy range on the Air Pollutant Index (API) for the first time this dry season.
Tanjung Malim in Perak registered a reading of 110 on the API as of 5pm but as of 7pm, the air quality showed a slight improvement as it recorded a reading of 89 on the API.
The air pollution has been attributed to dry weather conditions along with the south-westerly winds that are blowing in the region and open burning in the neighbouring country of Indonesia.
According to the nation’s Department of Environment, an API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy; and more than 301, hazardous.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Madius Tangau said on Wednesday that the occurrence is prevalent especially over the central part of the peninsula, including the Klang Valley.
He was quoted by The Star as saying that Malaysia is currently experiencing the south-west monsoon that began in the third week of May and is expected to last until mid-September.
Mr Tangau said the weather would be dry and Malaysia would see less rainfall as compared to the other seasons during the south-west monsoon.
Transboundary haze from Indonesia is expected to occur during dry weather conditions, and this will be compounded by local burning activities. However, the country could expect isolated afternoon rain until the end of this week.
“The south-westerly wind is expected to persist until the end of the week. As such, should the transboundary haze persist or local burning activities occur, hazy weather conditions could be expected in our country,” Mr Tangau told the news agency.
As of 9am Wednesday, several areas in Selangor registered moderate readings, with the highest reading of 89 recorded in Port Klang, followed by areas such as Shah Alam (85), Banting (80), Kuala Selangor (78) and Petaling Jaya (74).
Malaysia’s administrative capital Putrajaya saw a reading of 77, followed by Pahang’s Indera Mahkota with 75; Batu Muda, Cheras and Nilai at 71 and Kuching at 70.
As of 5pm Wednesday, 31 areas in the country registered a moderate reading, with Port Klang recording a reading of 84 followed by Kuala Selangor (81); Shah Alam (80); Banting (73) and Kuching (71).
The transboundary haze caused by widespread fires in Indonesia which blanketed the region from September to November last year was one of the worst in recent history, affecting tens of millions of people.
Last year, Singapore’s National Environment Agency sent notices to six companies directing them to put out fires allegedly contributing to the haze.
It was reported on Monday that changing winds would see air pollution from fires in Indonesia hit Malaysia next week. The annual crisis for Malaysia including Singapore has pushed countries in the region to agree on a roadmap on regulating transboundary haze pollution which was finalised last week.
Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Mr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said last week that Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) member states have agreed on a roadmap to ensure the region is free from transboundary haze by 2020, as part of a series of joint actions to combat the annual problem. AGENCIES
Early signs of haze in Selangor?
New Straits Times 17 Aug 16;
KUALA LUMPUR: Several areas in Selangor recorded moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) readings this morning, with the highest reading of 89 recorded in Port Klang at 9am.
Following suit are Shah Alam with 85, Banting at 80, Kuala Selangor (78) and Petaling Jaya (74).
A check on the Department of Environment (DoE) website showed 28 other areas nationwide recorded moderate readings.
Putrajaya recorded a reading of 77 followed by Pahang’s Indera Mahkota with 74, Tanjung Malim (73), Batu Muda, Cheras, Nilai at 71 respectively and Kuching at 70.
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.
Hourly API readings can be obtained from DOE’s website at apims.doe.gov.my.
Yesterday, the Metrological Department said the haze is likely to return to blanket the nation with thick smoke due to dry weather as Malaysia has been experiencing the Southwest Monsoon since the third week of May.
“During the dry weather, haze, which is associated with burning activities and transboundary haze from Indonesia, is expected to occur,” said the department.
Based on its satellite images yesterday, two hotspots were detected in Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang) and two in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre based in Singapore yesterday showed that the number of hotspots in Indonesia had been increasing since several days ago, with 48 hotspots identified in Sumatra and 49 in Kalimantan.
Several areas record moderate air quality
The Star 17 Aug 16;
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty-one areas nationwide recorded moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) reading ad at 8am Wednesday, with the highest reading of 88 in Port Klang.
According to the website of the Department of Environment (DOE), the area with moderate API reading are Shah Alam (84), Banting (80), Kuala Selangor (77), Putrajaya (76), Petaling Jaya (74), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (73), Nilai, Batu Muda and Cheras (71) and Kuching (70).
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.
Members of the public can refer to the portal apims.doe.gov.my to obtain the current API reading.
On Tuesday, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the situation was influenced by transboundary haze due to land and forest fires in central Sumatra brought by the Southwest Monsoon winds.
According to reports from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre based in Singapore Tuesday, the number of hotspots in Indonesia had been increasing since several days ago, with 48 hotspots identified in Sumatra and 49 in Kalimantan. - Bernama
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Do you know where Malaysia’s biggest marine park is?
ANDREW SIA The Star 16 Aug 16;
Pop quiz: Where is Malaysia’s biggest marine park? And what is our largest island?
Contrary to expectations, this park is not around the scuba diving havens of Redang or Tioman. It’s in northern Sabah.
The Tun Mustapha Park (TMP), officially launched just last month, covers almost one million hectares of seas (898,762 to be exact).
And it includes the marine areas around our country’s largest island – once again, moving beyond peninsula-centric ideas of Penang or Langkawi, this is Pulau Banggi, an hour by ferry from Kudat town in north Sabah.
Size does matter. But it’s the unique management skills needed for this park that really make this our most ambitious conservation idea yet.
Unlike traditional “national parks” where the residents are not allowed to touch the wildlife; the 80,000 inhabitants of TMP will (it is hoped) continue to harvest about 100 tonnes of fish – every day. That’s a daily haul worth RM600,000!
The key word here is sustainable fishing.
Bombs, cyanide, trawlers
“The seas here have long been suffering from overfishing. Fishermen have seen their catch going down every year,” explains Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma, executive director of WWF-Malaysia (WWF-M), which was a key partner along with Sabah Parks (a state government agency), in realising the park.
While big trawlers have scooped up too much, small-scale local fishermen have also been guilty of using destructive methods such as bombs and cyanide. Turtle egg collection has also driven many species close to extinction.
The massive TMP will include the seas (but not lands) of 50 islands, including Banggi.
Dionysius points out that the area has great potential due to its rich marine biodiversity including mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs (with a whopping 430 species of reef fish).
“The Tun Mustapha Park will be Malaysia’s first multiple-use park. What that means is that certain areas will be set aside as ‘No Take Zones’ where no fishing at all is allowed. These zones are often determined by the village fishermen themselves,” he says.
Elsewhere, there will be Community Zones where fishermen can only use traditional (non-destructive) methods like drift nets. There will also be Commercial Zones where trawlers can operate.
The main idea, Dionysius explains, is that the other zones where fishing is banned or limited will serve as breeding sites where fish can be “fruitful and multiply” before they “go forth” into the big seas to be harvested.
Ecotourism in the area is still just taking off. With so many lovely islands, beaches and coral reefs, could it some day become a tourist haven for snorkellers and scuba divers like the marine parks of South Thailand? With proper conservation, plus the expansion of ecotourism, a 2011 study estimates that TMP can be worth RM343mil per year!
But there are challenges ahead as the balancing of commercial and ecological interests is often tricky.
For example, coastal mangroves in north Sabah will not be included in TMP, even though it’s a key area for the regeneration of marine life. Some mangroves are being converted to shrimp ponds or farms for the aquaculture industry, something which a WWF statement describes as an “unsustainable practice” which damages this important habitat.
The boundaries on exactly where the different zones will be are still being finalised. There is also the question of how the rules will be enforced.
Even without the marine park, many fishing trawlers are not licensed to operate within three nautical miles from shore, but there are still reports of encroachment.
Although Sabah Parks is the lead government agency for TMP, senior parks officer Augustine Binson admits that it currently has only one boat and two staff rangers stationed in Kudat for patrols.
“We are planning up to five more substations within the next 10 years. Ideally, there should be at least two boats and three rangers for each substation.”
In the meantime, Sabah Parks will have to depend on other government arms such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the marine police for help.
So far, 20 villagers have been trained as community or honorary rangers to help be the “eyes and ears” on the ground for Sabah Parks. 40 more are planned.
Convincing the people
Crucially, Dionysius points out, this park wants to avoid the top-down mindset where certain rules are “declared” and the people are then forced to obey.
Rather, the park strives for a bottom-up approach. This is to convince all the people involved to WANT the park because they understand that it will benefit them in the long term.
The extensive process of consultation and negotiation with all stakeholders over the TMP has taken 13 years. Joannie Jomitol, the lead community organiser in Kudat for WWF-M, says that many villagers support TMP.
“Their traditional fishing areas have long been encroached by the big trawlers. Many of them find that they have to go further and further out to sea and spend more on fuel while catching ever less fish,” she relates.
“So they like the idea of having certain areas near their villages preserved for community use only. However, there are also some who still want to use bombs and cyanide, so we have to keep persuading them.”
The big players had a different view. Dr Robecca Jumin, head of Marine (Section) at WWF-M, recalls the first workshop with commercial fishermen in 2007: “They already knew even then that fish catch was declining. But they didn’t want any changes as they feared the park would further cut their income.”
But even the big boat operators came to realise that something had to be done to prevent a collapse of fisheries.
“They have engaged in the zoning process and attending meetings called by Sabah Parks. Some of them have also proposed that the government buy back their fishing trawlers, but that is a costly step that has not been agreed to yet.”
Yes, there are challenges ahead. But as Dionysius says: “For environmental issues, there is sometimes too much doom and gloom. We must remember that the Tun Mustapha Park is a huge landmark for Malaysian conservation. So, we are celebrating it!”
He adds: “But the journey of the park has not been completed. In fact, it’s just beginning.”
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