Best of our wild blogs: 16 Aug 18

Seagrasses doing better at Beting Bemban Besar
wild shores of singapore

Sep 2018 sampling events for NUS–NParks Marine Debris Monitoring Programme
News from the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore

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Strong support for tougher wildlife protection laws in Singapore: Survey

Fann Sim Channel NewsAsia 16 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE: There is strong support for tougher wildlife protection laws in Singapore, according to findings from a REACH survey released on Thursday (Aug 16).

The online survey had questions drawn from amendments proposed for the Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA) by the Wild Animals Legislation Review Committee (WALRC).

The committee, formed by Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC Louis Ng in February, is made up of stakeholders from the nature community, pest control companies, religious organisations, town councils and grassroots organisations.

The survey was posted on Government feedback site REACH from June to July and received over 1,000 responses and comments.

Among the findings, 81 per cent of respondents felt that the release of animals without a permit should be disallowed.

Seventy per cent felt that the feeding of wild animals should not be allowed.

According to the report, 61 per cent felt that all wild birds including crows, mynas, and pigeons should also be protected from being killed, kept or captured without a permit.

Eighty-one per cent felt that the deployment of nets and traps outside private premises and nature reserves should be regulated.

The findings also revealed 57 per cent felt that selected citizens should be given the power to assist the Government in enforcement, while 66 per cent felt that current penalties are inadequate in deterring individual offenders.

Ninety per cent felt that the penalties for repeat offenders should be more severe, and 89 per cent felt that the penalties for corporations should be more severe than for individuals.

Eighty per cent felt that organisations need to be specifically trained and licensed if they wish to provide wildlife removal services.

Eighty-three per cent supported having a code of conduct for wildlife photography, while 89 per cent wanted a code of conduct for general activities in nature areas.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO WABA

The committee proposed 10 amendments to the WABA ranging from suggestions to ban the feeding of wild animals throughout Singapore as well as banning the release of animals without a license throughout Singapore.

The initial amendments proposed by WALRC have been tweaked according to the observations gathered from the latest public feedback.

For example, the amendments included selected marine invertebrates such as horseshoe crabs and corals for protection after input from the marine biology research community.

The committee also deliberated initially on a total ban of possessing traps in public but tempered its stance after public feedback that it would be troublesome for researchers, recreational fishers and pet owners. The proposed amendment was revised to a lighter ban of deploying traps for all wild animals and birds by unqualified individuals.

During a media briefing, Mr Ng added that the amendment to prevent unauthorised trapping is targeted at poachers, who have made use of loopholes in the current version of WABA to capture certain birds.

Six species of birds, including the house crow, common myna, and white vented myna are excluded from current protection laws.

"A lot of times on the ground when you go to someone trapping the bird, the fellow will say, 'I'm just trapping a common myna' and there's nothing we can do because trapping a common myna under WABA is legal," he said.

These amendments will be subjected to further public consultation and discussions with stakeholders in October before being presented in Parliament next year.

“Currently, animals receive a full suite of protection when they are in nature reserves and national parks. The problem is that the animal loses some protection once the animal leaves the nature reserves and national parks," said Mr Ng, who also chairs the WALRC.

"This is the gap we are trying to fill in the amendments to the WABA. Ultimately, the animals don’t know where the boundaries of the nature reserves and national parks lie, and the same animal should receive the same protection regardless of where the animal is."

The proposed amendments will also align WABA with other nature-related legislation, which feature stronger penalties and protection for wildlife, Mr Ng said.

The WABA is the principal legislation that protects wildlife in Singapore and was enacted in 1965, with its last revision in 2000. While there have been seven revisions to WABA, Mr Ng said that they are "consequential revisions" to WABA due to revisions to amendments made to the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority Act, and were not specific to WABA.

"If you look at the WABA at this point, it's just focusing on kill, keep and take. But if you look at other pieces of legislation under the Parks and Trees Act, it also includes release, feed and disturb. We have the first three now in WABA, and we're trying to add three more to make sure the animal receives similar protection regardless of where the animal is," Mr Ng.

"Things have changed a lot in Singapore [since 1965]. The landscape has changed a lot. So the legislation has to be updated and changed," he added.

Source: CNA/ad(mn)

Feeding of wild animals should be banned, say most Singaporeans in survey
Jose Hong Straits Times 16 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE - Almost three-quarters of Singaporeans feel that the feeding of wild animals should be banned throughout the country, according to a new survey.

More than four-fifths also believe that animals should not be released into the wild without a permit, revealed a poll carried out via government feedback site Reach (Reaching Everyone for Activity Citizenry @ Home) from June to July.

The results were released on Thursday (Aug 16).

More than 1,000 Singaporeans gave their feedback to 11 questions on proposed amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA).

In February, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng announced that he would propose amendments to WABA through a private member's Bill in Parliament, to better protect the wildlife in Singapore. Some of these amendments include giving trained citizens the powers to educate others about WABA, and giving companies heavier penalties than individuals for breaking the Act.

He formed a Wild Animals Legislation Review Committee that comprises stakeholders from the nature community, pest control companies, religious organisations, town councils and grassroots organisations.

Other results from the survey show that 66 per cent of respondents felt that current penalties are not adequate to deter individual offenders, while 90 per cent felt that the penalties for repeat offenders need to be more severe.

WABA was enacted in the 1960s, with little revision since, and also does not protect any invertebrates - animals without a backbone - such as the endangered horseshoe crab.

Mr Ng said: "Currently, animals receive a full suite of protection when they are in nature reserves and national parks. The problem is that the animal loses some protection once the animal leaves the nature reserves and national parks. This is the gap we are trying to fill in the amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act.

"Ultimately, the animals don't know where the boundaries of the nature reserves and national parks lie, and the same animal should receive the same protection regardless of where the animal is."

Members of the public will have more opportunities to share their views on the proposed amendments after the Bill has been drafted and before it is read in Parliament.

Deputy chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, said: "On a daily basis, we see animals being fed outside the nature reserve, which draws them even farther into public spaces and causes conflicts to start. The proposed amendments to WABA will help in this critical area."

Some animals without backbones could be protected, but not illegal to kill mosquitoes and cockroaches
WONG PEI TING Today Online 16 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE — Threatened invertebrates – or animals without backbones – such as the Common Rose butterfly and horseshoe crabs in Singapore will be offered more protection under proposed changes to the law spearheaded by Member of Parliament Louis Ng.

Just as it is an offence to kill, take or capture birds, reptiles, fish and animals with backbones here, Mr Ng and his team are looking to have threatened invertebrates covered under the Wild Animals and Birds Act.

This will assuage concerns of ant hobbyists and others who wondered if it would become illegal to swat mosquitoes or kill cockroaches. Ant hobbyists catch queen ants to start colonies, which they keep at home.

"So if the ant is not endangered, they can carry on catching and trapping them, but (people should not be) going into the nature reserves (to find their queen ants)," said Mr Ng at a media briefing to present findings of a public consultation on government portal Reach.

The survey drew more than 1,000 responses from June 18 to July 20.

Some concerns came from parents who wondered if a ban on capturing all invertebrates might stifle the curiosity of children, who may want to capture insects for their school projects.

Mr Ng said including only invertebrates listed in the Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore would be a "reasonable start". There are 171 invertebrate species listed in the book's 2008 edition.

Draft changes to the Wild Animals and Birds Act, first enacted in 1965, are expected to be ready in October and another round of public consultation will be conducted then.

Mr Ng chairs the 17-member Wild Animal Legislation Review Committee tasked to look into changes to the Act, which he previously said was outdated. Suggestions include banning the feeding of wild animals throughout Singapore. Currently, the practice is only banned in the nature reserves and parks under the Parks and Trees Act.

On concerns that the proposed changes might make Singapore too restrictive a place to enjoy nature, Mr Ng said: "The concern really is that we want to make sure everyone can enjoy nature and appreciate nature in the long term.

"If we continue to disturb, if we continue to feed, if we continue to release these animals, it will be damaging to our local biodiversity in the ecosystem and ultimately, nobody will be able to enjoy our wildlife anymore."

Seventy per cent of survey respondents agreed that feeding of wildlife should not be allowed, while 90 per cent agreed that selected invertebrates should be protected.

There was disquiet among cat and dog lovers who wanted to continue feeding strays. They will be able to do so, said Ms Karen Sim, secretary of the committee. The Act does not cover domestic dogs and cats, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, domestic pigs, poultry and ducks.

The proposed changes aim to target feeding that contributes to human-wildlife conflicts, such as the feeding of wild boars and monkeys, said Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, deputy chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres). Two individuals who apparently drove regularly to Tuas to feed bread to wild boars, for instance, could have resulted in some 20 of the animals loitering at Tuas bus terminal, he told TODAY. A video of the herd last year alarmed some members of the public.

PIGEONS IN NEED OF PROTECTION?

One of the least popular suggestions among survey respondents was the inclusion of six species of wild birds for protection under the Act: The house crow, purple-backed starling, Philippine glossy starling, common mynah, white-vented mynah, and feral pigeons.

Only 61 per cent of respondents agreed that the species should be protected. Others felt they were pests that dirty the environment and spread diseases, and were so common that they do not need protection.

The committee will go ahead with the proposal to protect the six species, to close a loophole that currently lets off many bird poachers.

There have been many instances of poachers looking to trap rare birds who lied that they were targeting an unprotected species, when approached, said Mr Ng.

Mr Kalai said Acres receives reports of suspected poaching "on a daily basis", but the suspects would either say they already own the bird, or are trying to find a lost bird.

The committee is also looking to prohibit the deployment of nets, traps, hunting devices and instruments – making it illegal for someone to be seen with a trap, even outside a nature reserve. Recreational anglers will be exempted.

Eighty-one per cent of respondents supported this move, on the account that traps harm otters. Those who were against the proposal said this would make it hard for people to trap wildlife for research, get rid of pests, or return lost pets.

Eighty-one per cent of respondents supported banning the release of all wild animals without a permit.

The committee also wants to align penalties under the Act (fines of up to S$1,000) with the Parks and Trees Act (up to six months' jail or a fine of up to S$50,000) to offer equal protection to animals outside of nature reserves. Sixty-six per cent of respondents think the current penalties are not enough to deter offenders.

Community volunteers could be given enforcement powers to deal with selected offences such as the feeding or release of animals. Mr Ng said the powers will be similar to that of the National Environment Agency's (NEA) community volunteer programme.

NEA volunteers can request for the particulars of litterbugs, those who smoke in prohibited areas or spit and urinate in public places, pet owners who do not pick up after their pets, and drivers who have smoky vehicles or leave the engine of a stationary vehicle running.

The particulars are submitted to NEA for follow-up action.

The committee will also propose abolishing an archaic law allowing private individuals to keep wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and orang utans as pets as long as they obtain a licence to do so.

Most Singaporeans support ban on feeding of wild animals
JOSE HONG The New Paper 17 Aug 18;

Almost three-quarters of Singaporeans polled feel the feeding of wild animals should be banned.

More than four-fifths also believe animals should not be released into the wild without a permit, based on a poll by government feedback website Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home from June to July. The results were released yesterday.

More than 1,000 Singaporeans gave their feedback to 11 questions on proposed amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act (Waba).

In February, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng announced he would propose amendments to the Act through a private member's Bill in Parliament to better protect wildlife in Singapore.

Waba was enacted in the 1960s with little revision since and does not protect invertebrates - animals without a backbone - such as the endangered horseshoe crab. Some of these amendments, also announced yesterday, include bringing certain invertebrates under the protection of the law, as well as banning the feeding of wild animals.

In the survey, 66 per cent of respondents felt current penalties are not adequate to deter offenders, and 90 per cent felt penalties for repeat offenders need to be more severe.

Mr Ng said: "Currently, animals receive a full suite of protection when they are in nature reserves and national parks. The problem is that the animal loses some protection once the animal leaves the nature reserves and national parks. This is the gap we are trying to fill in the amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act,

"Ultimately, the animals don't know where the boundaries of nature reserves and national parks lie, and the same animal should receive the same protection regardless of where the animal is."

Members of the public will have more opportunities to share their views on the proposed amendments after the Bill has been drafted and before it is read in Parliament.

The deputy chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, said: "On a daily basis we see animals being fed outside the nature reserve, which draws them even farther into public spaces and causes conflicts to start. The proposed amendments to Waba will help in this critical area."

ENCOURAGED

In a joint statement yesterday, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore and the National Parks Board said: "We are encouraged by the public's active participation in the consultation.

"Their feedback is useful and will be considered in the review of animal-related regulations and processes."

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Arctic trip changed 19-year-old’s views on animal hunting

WONG PEI TING Today Online 15 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE — Yale environmental studies undergraduate Victoria Lim, 19, had previously taken a dim view of seal hunting. But having returned last week from a trip to the Arctic, she found her view challenged.

A ban or boycott of seal products would impoverish the Inuit, said the self-professed environmentalist, who also developed a better appreciation of the need to have diverse views on environmental issues.

Last month, Victoria became the first Singaporean to join more than 100 youths from 16 other places, including Ecuador and Micronesia, on a 16-day expedition to the Arctic to witness climate change where it is most apparent.

Speaking to TODAY on Tuesday (Aug 14), the undergraduate who just completed her first year at Yale University said she gained a greater insight into the reality of living in the polar north through interacting with the 40 or so Inuit people who participated in the award-winning Canadian educational programme called Students On Ice.

The climate in the northern regions of Canada and Greenland is so hostile that it is impossible for the indigenous communities to grow any food, Victoria said. That means, the Inuit either have to import their food — which is expensive and environmentally unfriendly — or source them locally, which means turning to marine animals like seals which inhabit the region.

"Eating marine animals is really just how they always lived," said the SJI International alumnus. And unlike commercial hunters, the Inuit "literally just go out with a spear and maybe a gun" to catch one seal, which is used to feed the entire family, she added.

Inuit arctic wear made from seal pelts are seen displayed on a table. Photo: Victoria Lim

So the seal pelts they sell are merely a byproduct of them utilising every part of the animal they can't eat, the teenager said, adding that it is because they have such a respect for the animal that they ensure that no part of it goes to waste.

So, the constant lobbying by animals rights' groups to ban or boycott of seal products like pelts have seen demand for those products plunge, which in turn impoverish the Inuit who rely on the sale as one of their largest streams of revenue, leaving them economically further behind.

"Regardless of whether they sell the seal skin or not, they are going to eat the seal anyway," said the Public Service Commission scholarship holder.

Ironically, the lobby against animal products made life more difficult for the very people who were really trying to practice sustainable living, turning what Victoria used to believe in on its head. This revelation got her pondering about issues of inequality and human rights, and what exactly is "sustainable development".

Her S$18,000 trip, fully sponsored by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council as a prize for winning the HSBC-NYAA Youth Environmental Award last year, also opened her eyes to the need for a diversity of voices.

"You cannot develop a complete narrative of any story if you don't have a diversity of voices," said Victoria, noting that some of the peers she interacted with on the trip hunted seals and even caribou, yet they also cared deeply about the environment.

Climate change is very real to the communities living in the polar north, she added, as they shared stories about how more Inuit are falling through ice as the knowledge passed down by their forefathers about ice thickness is less reliable in a time of global warming and melting ice caps.

Hunting seasons are also changing by as much as weeks and months. And it is no longer so cold that their urine would freeze in winter when they pee outdoors. Instead, they could head out on some days in just a hoodie, unthinkable in the not-so-distant past, she said.

But even as the indigenous communities in the Arctic bear the brunt of climate change brought about by others, Victoria said it is time for city dwellers like herself to truly understand that they, too, have a role to play.

"Whatever happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. And whatever happens outside the Arctic will affect the Arctic somehow … The whole world is interconnected (politically, economically, etc, and) especially when it comes to the environment," she said.

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Indonesia: Potential forest fires still threaten Riau ahead of Asian Games

Antara 15 Aug 18;

Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - A total of 103 hot spots were detected in several parts of Riau Province on Wednesday as the South Sumatra city of Palembang is gearing up for the official start of the 18th Asian Games this weekend.

Majority of the hot spots were detected in the province`s northern coastal areas, Head of the Riau Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Sukisno said by referring to the Terra & Aqua Satellite`s latest images.

"Rokan Hilir District has 97 hot spots," he noted, adding that the other northern coastal areas which contributed to the hot spots were Bengkalis District and Dumai city with one and two hot spots, respectively.

The remaining hot spots were detected in Riau Province`s central areas, particularly the districts of Siak, Kampar, and Pelalawan, he stated.

Around 87 of the 103 hot spots had a level of confidence of above 70 percent, indicating possible occurrences of land and forest fires in the affected areas.

Sukisno remarked that 85 hot spots were detected in Rokan Hilir District and the remaining in Bengkalis and Dumai.

Despite related authorities` ongoing efforts to extinguish the land and forest fires, the relatively low rainfall intensity makes Riau Province remain vulnerable to the spread of potential land and forest fires.

Sukisno explained that the BMKG has forecast that mild rain would likely shower the areas of Rokan Hilir District early in the morning, while the maximum temperature during mid-day could reach 35 degree Celsius.

The Riau Land and Forest Fire Task Force continues its ground and aerial firefighting operations by using four water bombing choppers.

However, the dry-bulb temperature and wind blows have hampered the task force`s fire fighters to extinguish the land and forest fires on wetland.

Due to Riau Province`s geographical proximity with Malaysia and Singapore, the forest fire smoke can likely affect the two neighbors if the task force`s firefighting efforts fail, and the wind blows the haze towards the two countries.

President Joko Widodo had warned earlier that the related authorities should do their best to ensure that the 18th Asian Games, due to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, from Aug 18 to Sept 2, is not disrupted by land and forest fires.

"As the Asian Games host, we must be able to ensure that the land and forest fires will not occur during the multi-sport event, so that our image and flights are not disrupted by the haze," Widodo told attendants of a coordinating meeting for the Forest and Land Fire Mitigation in Jakarta last February.

Indonesia will host the Asian Games for the second time this year after Jakarta was selected as the venue for the Asian sporting event for the first time in 1962. By virtue of its hosting of the 2018 games, the country aims to secure a place among the top 10 largest sporting events.

Some 45 countries will participate in the games that will feature 462 events across 40 sports, of which 32 are Olympic sports and eight are non-Olympic events.

Reported by FB Anggoro
Edited by Rahmad Nasution, Eliswan

Editor: Heru Purwanto


Indonesia fights forest fires in Sumatra ahead of Asian Games
Antara 15 Aug 18;

Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Riau Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported here on Tuesday that some 169 hot spots were detected in seven provinces across Sumatra Island, including South Sumatra, that will co-host the 18th Asian Games with Jakarta.

Referring to satellites` images, the agency remarked that South Sumatra Province had 13 hot spots, while 90 others were detected in different parts of Riau, 27 in Bangka Belitung, 22 in North Sumatra, 10 in West Sumatra, four in Jambi, and three in Lampung Province.

According to Head of the Riau Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency Sukisno, 57 of the 90 hot spots in Riau had a confidence level of above 70 percent, indicating that there would have been 57 land and forest fires in the province`s areas.

"Rokan Hilir District had 42 hotspots, while 10 other hot spots are detected in Bengkalis District. One hotspot each was found in the districts of Kampar, Pelalawan, Indragiri Hulu, and Indragiri Hilir, as well as Dumai City," he stated.

In order to extinguish land and forest fires, the Riau Land and Forest Fire Task Force has deployed four water bombing helicopters to back up its ground and aerial firefighting operations.

The four helicopters comprised one Bell-214, one MI-171, and two Kamov, the task force`s deputy commander, Sanger, noted.

President Joko Widodo has warned earlier that the related authorities should do their best to ensure that the 18th Asian Games, due to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, from Aug 18 to Sept 2, is not disrupted by land and forest fires.

"As the Asian Games host, we must be able to ensure that the land and forest fires will not occur during the multi-sport event, so that our image and flights are not disrupted by the haze," Widodo told attendants of a coordinating meeting for the Forest and Land Fire Mitigation in Jakarta last February.

Indonesia will host the Asian Games for the second time this year after Jakarta was selected as the venue for the Asian sporting event for the first time in 1962. By virtue of its hosting of the 2018 games, the country aims to secure a place among the top 10 largest sporting events.

Some 45 countries will participate in the games that will feature 462 events across 40 sports, of which 32 are Olympic sports and eight are non-Olympic events.

The Olympic sports are Aquatics, Athletics, Fencing, Weightlifting, Basketball, Handball, Badminton, Baseball/Softball, Cycling, Equestrian, Golf, Wrestling, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Canoeing and Kayaking, Sailing, Shooting, Modern Pentathlon, Archery, Sport Climbing, Rowing, Rugby, Gymnastics, Roller Skating, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Boxing, Triathlon, and Volleyball.

The non-Olympic sports are Bowling; Bridge; Cricket; Kabaddi; Martial Arts including Jujitsu, Kurash, Pencak Silat, Sambo, and Wushu; Mechanical Sports, such as Paragliding and Jet skiing; Squash; and Sepak Takraw.

Indonesia has set a target of entering the biggest 10 in the event by winning a minimum of 16 gold medals.

Reported by FB Anggoro

(T.R013/A/INE)

EDITED BY INE

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Malaysia: Hotspots and open burning bring back haze

The Star 16 Aug 18;

KUCHING: The haze has returned to parts of Sarawak due to the rising number of hotspots in Kalimantan and open burning in the state.

State Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) controller Peter Sawal said 121 hotspots were detected across the border on Tuesday, more than double the day before.

Seven hotspots were also detected – two in Kuching, three in Mukah and one each in Sarikei and Sri Aman.

As at 2pm yesterday, nine areas in the state recorded moderate air pollutant index (API) readings with Mukah, the highest at 84.

A reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 moderate and 101-200 unhealthy.

Sawal said the hazy conditions could last until the end of the month if there were no changes in the prevailing dry weather and wind direction.

“From the briefing by the Meteorological Department, we’re expecting this month to be dry with below normal rainfall.

“But things may change; we may experience intermittent rain and that will dampen the weather.

“However, we also monitor the situation because of the high number of hotspots detected across the border and the winds blowing towards us,” he said.

Sawal said a few incidents of local burning by farmers had been detected in Sibu, Mukah, Sri Aman and Betong.

“Our men on the ground are now advising local farmers to be vigilant in controlling and monitoring their burning to prevent it from spreading,” he said.

He also said NREB had stopped issuing permits for open burning to plantation companies since July and would take action against any illegal burning activities.

Offenders can be fined RM30,000 or prosecuted in court.

However, Sawal said better awareness and enforcement had resulted in a reduced number of illegal burning cases.

“For the past few years, our records show that incidents of illegal burning had reduced. I think they are aware of the seriousness of illegal open burning.

“At the same time, our concerted efforts mean they cannot escape. We can detect (open burning) through satellite and pinpoint the location,” he said. “Then, we proceed to the ground to verify it.”

In Miri, firemen were battling several wildfires in Mukah, Bintulu and Bintangor.

Some 10 acres of wildfires have been burning since Tuesday evening in Kampung Assykirin in Bintulu.

In Mukah, peatfires in Daro are being tackled while in Bintangor, wildfires have been contained at 60 acres (24.3ha) of the Felcra Bunut plantations.


Malaysians told to brave hot spell in Aug and Sept
Bernama New Straits Times 15 Aug 18;

KUALA LUMPUR: Several states in the peninsula, Sarawak as well as western parts of Sabah are expected to receive less than average levels of rainfall from August to September due to the current hot weather.

Besides Sabah and Sarawak, the other affected states are Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan Melaka as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

In a statement issued to Bernama today, the Meteorological Department said the situation was due the current southwest monsoon season which brought heat and caused an increase in temperatures.

“The current hot weather that struck several parts of the country is expected to persist until this weekend, but it can still occur during the southwest monsoon period which is expected to come to an end by the end of September.

“All states except for Sarawak are expected to receive normal rainfall beginning September,” the department said adding that the less rainfall received during the period could also result in drought, haze and forest fires.

It said, during the monsoon period, the maximum temperature in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak was forecast to range between 34 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, several parts of the west coast of the peninsula and Sarawak recorded moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 6 pm, today.

According to the Department of Environment’s portal, Mukah in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 85, while the other affected areas recorded moderate API of between 52 and 71.

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.-- BERNAMA

Phee: We’re worried, the API is rising in Penang
tan sin chow The Star 16 Aug 18;

GEORGE TOWN: Penangites woke up to the haze which is expected to go on for the next few days.

Penang Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh says the state government will give out face masks to the public if the Air Pollutant Index (API) goes above 75.

A check on the Department of Environment website at 3pm yesterday showed that the readings in Seberang Prai, Seberang Jaya, Minden and Balik Pulau were hovering between 63 and 65.

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.

“We expect worsening air quality although the air readings are still classified as moderate.

“Drink more water and avoid being caught in the rain as it could be acid rain,” he said.

“Under extreme hot weather, the rainwater which comes into contact with pavements or roads could gene­rate a ‘steam’ that is not good for health,” he added.

Phee said the haze was brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and the Northwest Monsoon, while the heat wave was also causing health problems.

“This is due to the suspended particles likely from the Lombok earthquake.

“Right now, there are no peat fires or hot spots in the region, and there are no flight cancellations,” he said.

State Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the hazy condition would not cause any major health issues other than irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.

“Those who are feeling unwell, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, are advised to seek medical attention immediately.”

Many people were seen buying “antelope’s horn and mak dong” drinks from a shop in Bayan Baru that sells an assortment of tradi­tional medicinal teas.

Supervisor Wong Wai Ching, 50, claims the homemade drinks, selling at RM11.20 for a 500ml bottle, could help cool the body.

“It also helps if you have a sore throat, loss of voice or are feeling feverish,” she said.


Unhealthy air quality in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Sarawak
The Star 16 Aug 18;

PETALING JAYA: Perlis, Kedah and Penang have been hit by the haze, along with Mukah in Sarawak.

As at noon Thursday (Aug 16), the air quality was at unhealthy levels in Kangar (Perlis); Alor Setar and Sungai Petani (Kedah); Seberang Jaya and Seberang Perai (Penang); and Mukah.

The worst so far is Alor Setar, which had a reading of Air Pollutant Index (API) level at 157, according to the Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia.

According to the readings, the air quality in several areas started to climb from green or moderate (where the API is between 51-100) to yellow, or unhealthy (101-200), from Wednesday (Aug 15).

Kuala Lumpur is still in the green, though, with an API of between 65 (Cheras) and 67 (Batu Muda).

Petaling Jaya also recorded a moderate API reading of 63.


Yeo: No resources is no excuse not to fight open burning
The Star 16 Aug 18;

KUALA LUMPUR: Bucking up on enforcement, shifting resources and even borrowing cars and equipment – these are some of the measures Minister Yeo Bee Yin (pic) is taking to put an end to open burning as Malaysia simmers under a dry and hot season.

Yeo, who holds the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change portfolio, said she had held meetings with the Department of Environment (DoE) and told them to buck up.

“Only two or three weeks ago, I realised that the DoE doesn’t even have cars to conduct enforcement. That’s ridiculous! And, they don’t even have enough equipment.

“I am shifting resources from the ministry to DoE to perform their jobs. I told them ‘no excuse’. If you don’t have cars, I will borrow these for us,” she said in an interview here yesterday.

Malaysia is currently facing sweltering temperatures, rising to as high as 37°C in Kapit, Sarawak, on Sunday.

The ministry, said Yeo, was serious in eradicating open burning, which also contributed to haze and pollution in the country.

image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2018/08/16/06/27/yeo-bee-yin.ashx?la=en



“I want them (DoE) to give me a plan – there is no ‘cannot do’. Open burning is a tricky issue but as a government, we cannot say we cannot solve the problem.

“But I hope the public will give me some time,” she said

This includes setting the standard operation procedure with the lead agency as well as for DoE to get their act together. “Now, it’s completely direction-less,” Yeo said.

Asked if the ministry would seek to increase the penalties on those found guilty of open burning, Yeo said the current fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both were “high enough”.

“The problem right now is that you cannot catch the culprits. So, we need to find a solution to bring them to court and make sure they are penalised.

“I’ve told DoE that I want enforcement to be strict and there will be no compromise,” she said.

On the probability of haze recurring this year, usually during the months of July and September, Yeo said this would “not be very high” due to lower number of hotspots detected in Indonesia this time around.

“But we have put together an emergency plan. For example, once haze reaches a certain level, we may carry out cloud seeding,” she said.

To a question if she would seek a meeting with Indonesian authorities, Yeo said: “I am trying to pay them a visit. If possible, I would like to discuss but time is short.”


200ha bushes in Sarawak destroyed in fire
Mohd Roji Kawi New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;

KUCHING: A total of 163 open burning cases were ravaging some 200 hectares of land were reported since early this month.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohamad said the cases identified involved bush fire, open burning on garden or farm as well as peat land fire.

The first open burning cases for the month, he said, was reported in Miri on Aug 3 followed by seven cases recorded in other parts of the state during the following day.

“Since then, the department have been receiving reports on open burning involving forest, peat land and bushes until Wednesday (Aug 15).

“These areas are vulnerable to open burning especially during the hot and dry weather.

“The situation worsened if open burning occurred on peat land since it will made it harder for firefighters to put off the fire,” he said.

For this month, Nor Hisham said Sibu recorded the highest number open burning occurrence, which is 46 cases, involving forest and peat land fire.

A total of 23 cases in Miri followed by 14 cases in Mukah were reported during the same period.

He said 17 other areas statewide recorded below than 10 cases of open burning.

The areas are Kapit, Petra Jaya, Batu Lintang, Simunjan, Limbang, Bintulu, Tabuan Jaya, Tanjung Manis, Bintangor, Kanowit, Lundu, Siburan, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Betong, Sarikei and Saratok.

Nor Hisham reiterated his reminder against the public to avoid open burning especially during the current hot weather and dry spell.

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Malaysia: Injured Borneo Pygmy elephant rescued in Lahad Datu

muguntan vanar The Star 16 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: Another Borneo Pygmy elephant has been rescued from a poacher’s trap in the east coast of Sabah as endangered jumbos in the state continue to face threat of extinction.

Sabah Wildlife Department rangers rescued a young male elephant, aged between seven and nine years, that suffered an injury on its front right leg due to a snare in the Taliwas area of Lahad Datu late Tuesday (Aug 14).

The department’s public relations officer Siti Nurain Ampuan Acheh said the snare caused a two-inch deep wound on the leg and it was infested with maggots.

She said with the initial treatment, there were signs of healing. However, the veterinarians treating it remained guarded about the elephant's full recovery.

The elephant will be transferred to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary for further treatment and observation.

On the post-mortem results conducted on the male elephant aged about two to three that was found floating in the Kinabatangan river near Pangi Forest Reserve on Aug 13, Siti Nurain said that no external injuries were found.

She said preliminary findings discovered that the jumbo suffered from ulcerative gastritis, which led to severe loss of blood in its gastrointestinal.

“The cause of ulcerative gastritis can be infectious or non-infectious in origin,” she said, adding that samples of vital internal organs were taken for toxicology and bacteriology analysis.

Confirmation on the cause of death could only be ascertained when results of the analysis of the samples were obtained, she added.

Since April this year, some 18 elephants rescued have died from various reasons including poachers' traps.

Pygmy elephant injured by Lahad Datu snare trap recovering
Avila Geraldine New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: A Borneo pygmy elephant found with a severe snare trap injury to one of its front legs has shown signs of improvement after being treated by the Wildlife Rescue Unit from the Sabah Wildlife Department.

The snare trap had caused a two-inch deep wound on the male pachyderm’s front leg which had become infested with maggots.

The department’s public relations officer, Siti Nur’ain Ampuan Acheh, said most areas of the wound are already healing, but the prognosis is still guarded.

“General treatments have been given to the elephant and topical wound management will continue.

“Its general condition, such as hydration and appetite, will be observed as the injury still needs time to fully heal,” she said in a statement.

Siti added that the elephant, aged between 7 and 9, will be transferred to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary for further treatment and observation.

On Tuesday, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew revealed that yet another elephant had been found injured by a snare trap.

The pachyderm was rescued at Taliwas, Lahad Datu, on Tuesday afternoon.

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Malaysia: Green turtle found dead on beach near UMS

Borneo Post 15 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: An endangered juvenile green turtle was found dead on the beach near Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here on Sunday night.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Juanita Joseph, the carcass of the 65-centimeter long green turtle was found on the beach near the Borneo Marine Research Institute, UMS at 10.35pm on Sunday night and was immediately reported to the Sabah Wildlife Department.

“We suspect that the turtle has been killed after being hit by a boat propeller and this can be seen from the crack on the carapace and injury on its head.

“However, we are still waiting for the official post-mortem result from the Sabah Wildlife Department,” she said.

Classified as endangered, green turtle; scientifically known as Chelonia mydas is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world.

Based on the statistics from the Department of Marine Park Malaysia, the population of sea turtles worldwide has dropped significantly by 90 percent over the past half century.

“Green turtles are threatened by poaching of their eggs and loss of their nesting beach sites. They are also being caught in fishing gear and harvested from their foraging grounds around Sabah waters by foreign fishermen.

“On top of that, marine debris such as plastics is killing our sea turtles because it is often perceived as food,” she said.

Under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 Section 1 Schedule 1, green turtle is a totally protected species. Individuals who are found guilty of killing/taking/selling/buying/be in possession of the species including eggs and its parts, can face imprisonment of up to five years or fine of up to RM250, 000.

For the record, UMS initiated research on sea turtles in Sabah in 1998, including on green and hawksbill turtles in Pulau Mabul. A total of 207 green turtles and 21 hawksbill turtles have been tagged since the research began in August 2010.

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Indonesia: Thousands affected by drought in Central Java without permanent solution

Ganug Nugroho Adi The Jakarta Post 15 Aug 18;

At least 50,000 residents living in 31 villages across seven districts in Wonogiri, Central Java, have been affected by drought since July, according to local authorities, which predict that the water shortage will last until October.

Wonogiri regent Joko “Jekek” Sutopo said that residents had tried to survive the drought by buying water for up to Rp 200,000 (US$13.60) per water tank, or around 6,000 liters.

Jekek further said a limited budget had hampered the administration’s plans to solve the water crisis once and for all. The regency required at least Rp 165 billion to build a better system, including pumping water from 180 existing groundwater sources to distributing it to residents’ houses.

Wonogiri regency allocated only Rp 2 billion this year to meet the residents’ water needs.

Water crisis is a recurring theme in the region, especially during the prolonged dry season.

“The water crisis should be addressed permanently to prevent it from recurring,” Jekek said.

Wonogiri Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head Bambang Haryanto echoed Jekek’s statement, saying at least 488 tanks of clean water — worth Rp 81 million — were needed daily to meet the needs of 50,000 residents. (vny/swd)

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