Long-tailed Macaque Feeding On Batoko Plum And Mating
from Bird Ecology Study Group
Green Corridor- Rail Mall to Bukit Timah train station
from My Nature Experiences
Read more!
Best of our wild blogs: 12 Jun 14
Read more!
Indonesia reaffirms commitment to resolving haze problem
Channel NewsAsia 11 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE: Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan met with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono on Wednesday (June 11) and discussed concerns about the impact of El Nino leading to more haze from forest fires later this year.
"We agreed that strong enforcement and rapid response measures on the ground are necessary," Dr Balakrishnan wrote in a Facebook post. "In particular, we have to deter companies from starting fires."
He said that Mr Agung has "reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to resolve this recurrent problem" and also welcomed Singapore's offers to help. "We agreed that both governments need to work closely in order to safeguard the health and welfare of citizens from both Indonesia and Singapore," Dr Balakakrishnan added.
- CNA/xy
Read more!
Government mulling over prospect of combined recycling facility
XUE JIANYUE Today Online 12 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE — Faced with the land crunch and a need for a sustainable recycling system able to handle the increasing waste generated in the city state, the Government is considering the construction of a facility that can house various recycling activities under one roof.
In its invitation for tenders to determine the feasibility of such a facility last week, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the Multi-Storey Recycling Facility (MSRF) will be the first of its kind here and will host different tenants processing different types of waste, while sharing common facilities such as weighbridges, meeting rooms and a vehicle parking depot.
The tender also called for a rethink on how the waste management industry is optimising the use of land in Singapore. Economic and population growth here have increased the output of solid waste from 1,260 tonnes a day in 1970 to a high of 8,289 tonnes a day last year. A whopping 7.85 million tonnes in total waste was generated in 2013.
By 2030, the total waste generated is projected to rise by 57 per cent and hit 12.3 million tonnes a year. “Singapore will require space to cater to additional waste management capacity and sustain the high environmental standards that we have come to enjoy today,” the NEA said. “The MSRF is deemed to be a solution to reduce land-take, while creating more space for essential activities undertaken by the waste management industry.”
Food, plastics, metals, slag and electronic waste are some common items processed by recycling facilities in Singapore, which are owned by private operators, most of which are located in the west. An inter-agency task force, comprising the NEA, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and JTC Corporation, is looking to bring various recycling firms together at the proposed 5ha MSRF. Housing them in one facility will also lead to land savings from the shared use of space.
So far, the URA has identified a site within the Sarimbun Recycling Park (SRP), which is already host to some recycling facilities, and another site in Lim Chu Kang as possible locations for the facility. The feasibility study should be completed about nine months after the tender is awarded, said the NEA.
Recycling firms TODAY spoke to had mixed feelings about the prospect of locating several recycling operations in one facility. Mr Timothy de Souza, senior executive for marketing at Cimelia Resource Recovery, said his firm recycles about half the electronic waste they receive, before storing and transporting the other half to other firms for further processing.
If the companies were co-located at the MSRF, it will help his firm save on logistics and transport, which make up about 20 per cent of his costs.
However, Mr de Souza had concerns over the lack of privacy in such a set-up. The sharing of facilities, such as the unloading bay and weighbridges, would reveal details of his business, such as type of materials received, to competitors, he said, before suggesting that access cards and security cameras be installed at the facility to protect firms.
Furthermore, Ms Sally Yap, a corporate secretary at LHT Holdings, whose facilities at Sungei Kadut span an area of 4.3 football fields, said existing recycling facilities here take up a huge amount of land space, which means having them in one facility would be a challenge. Firms would also want the recycling facilities located close to their waste management facilities to reduce the need for transporting materials between them, she added.
Last year, about 61 per cent of all waste in Singapore was recycled. However, the recycling rates for households were much lower at 20 per cent. And only 13 and 11 per cent of food and plastic waste, respectively, was recycled.
New kind of 'integrated' recycling facility planned
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 17 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE plans to build a first-of-its-kind recycling facility to deal with the rising amount of waste amid growing land scarcity.
Earlier this month, the authorities called for applications to study the project's feasibility, saying Singapore is expected to produce 12.3 million tonnes of rubbish in 2030, up 57 per cent from last year.
The projections were based on population and economic growth estimates, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said.
It is partnering the Urban Redevelopment Authority and JTC Corporation in the project.
The amount of waste Singapore generated grew by 69 per cent between 2000 and last year.
"There is a need to rethink how the waste management industry's space usage can be optimised given that land resources are expected to become scarcer," said NEA.
The new plant will stack various recycling activities in a multi-storey building, and may even delve underground, to save land space and prevent noise and smell pollution.
Companies could also share facilities and services such as weighbridges and a vehicle parking depot integrated with cleaning, maintenance and refuelling services for heavy vehicles.
While private firms have set up recycling facilities to process items such as food, plastics and metals, NEA said the new plant is not meant to consolidate all firms at a single location.
The project is slated to come up in a 5ha plot of land in Lim Chu Kang or within the Sarimbun Recycling Park in the area.
In its call for proposals, NEA said the facility should recycle at least 12 tonnes of waste per square metre of land area per year, or meet other targets.
It said the plant's design should also be generic and adaptable enough to be used at other sites, and flexible enough for future expansion.
Mr Juergen Militz of Recycling Partners, whose associated companies sell various technologies and services, said some firms could benefit from economies of scale by being at one location.
"The packaging waste recycling rate for example is very low, so various waste management companies may not be able to build efficient plants if their quantity is insufficient. This kind of aggregation could help in that," he said.
Read more!
World's largest vertical garden in Singapore
Chung Lyn-Yi Channel NewsAsia 12 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE: A "Tree House" in Singapore has entered the record books as the world's largest vertical garden.
The Tree House condominium in Upper Bukit Timah and on Chestnut Avenue features a 2,289-square-metre vertical garden on its facade. City Developments Limited announced on Wednesday that it was officially recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Its green features make it a soaring success as well, and are expected to help save over S$500,000 in energy and water savings annually.
CDL said the vertical garden reduces the estate's carbon footprint by filtering pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air. It also reduces the building's heat absorption such that residents whose homes are insulated by the green wall could see air-conditioning energy savings of between 15 and 30 per cent.
Mr Kwek Leng Joo, CDL deputy chairman, said: "We have continuously pushed the boundaries with breakthrough sustainable designs and features as well as state-of-the-art technologies.
“With the eco-inspired Tree House, CDL has not only created a place where residents are proud to call home but more importantly, a green icon which placed Singapore in the world map."
- CNA/ec
Read more!
Malaysia: Selangor would not resort to water rationing again - Menteri Besar
NURADILLA NOORAZAM New Straits Times 11 Jun 14;
SHAH ALAM: Even though the rising temperature expected from El Nino weather phenomenon would affect the water levels at dams across Selangor, the state government is adamant that it would not resort to water rationing again.
Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state has set in place a contingency plan to ensure that the residents will continue to receive normal treated water supply despite the dry spell.
"We have put in place 20 pumps to pump overflowing water from the river into the nine pools located in Bestari Jaya and Bukit Tinggi as well as pumping water from the pools into the river when the water level at the state's rivers are low.
"Based on our calculation, this initiative would be able to supply 800 million litres of water per day to the state," he said after chairing Selangor executive councillor meeting at the state secretariat building, this afternoon.
The use of water pumps is said to pacify the effect of the dry weather on the state's two most important dams in Sungai Selangor and Bukit Tinggi.
He added that the conclusion was made based on the meeting between state government, the state economic planning unit and the Selangor Water Management Board (Luas)
It was reported previously that the pumps were bought from China using the RM1 million allocation by the state government.
As part of a safety procedure, Khalid said that the state, through LUAS, has been conducting weekly sampling on water quality of the pools to ensure that it comply with the standards issued by the Health Ministry.
"Our latest lab result was in May 20th and the result showed that the water quality complied with the standards regulated by the Health Ministry.
"We will continue to take sampling as the use of water from the pools will be inevitable as the dry weather continues," he said, adding that the effect of El Nino will be felt for the next four months.
Khalid said that the state has also considered meeting with Thailand's Royal Rainmaking Bureau to seek their expertise in cloud seeding as the government plans to continue the effort despite producing minimal impact for the dam's water level so far.
"We will continue with our cloud seeding activities and even intend to increase the efficiency and rotation of cloud seeding activities. Even though the impact of such activity on the water level is minimal, we are convinced that the rainfall near water catchment areas and river will catch up soon," he said.
On the decision by Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad (PNHB)'s to accept the takeover offer by the state government, Khalid said that the concessionaire had finally agree knowing that it is lacking in options.
PNHB on Tuesday announced its decision to accept the state government's offer of RM9.65 billion and joined the ranks of Konsortium Abbas Sdn Bhd (Abbas) which had accepted it in March.
This only leaves Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings Bhd (Splash) who has yet to announce its decision on the takeover before the government is forced to invoke Section 114 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006, which allows for the forced takeover of assests of the concessionaires for RM7.6 billion.
"I am meeting the Energy, Green Technology and Water minister Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss on Splash as well as to fine tune the final stage of the takeover as the minister has the final say on this matter," he said.
Khalid: No water rationing exercise
The Star 12 Jun 14;
SHAH ALAM: Residents in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya need not fear of any water rationing exercise with another impending dry spell.
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim assured the Selangor government would not order a second phase of water rationing exercise so soon.
This was because the state government had taken necessary steps to ensure that raw water supply at all main dams would be sufficient.
Speaking to reporters after chairing the weekly exco meeting here yesterday, Khalid said 20 water pumps had been placed in nine ponds to channel water into the Sungai Selangor Dam.
“This will reduce the amount of raw water taken from Sungai Selangor and ensure the water treatment plants there get normal supply,” Khalid said.
He added that former mining ponds could provide up to 800 million litres of water daily.
He also assured the public that water channelled from ponds would be tested regularly for safety purposes.
The Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) is also inspecting pumps to ensure they are in good working condition.
“We are also working towards increasing our water supply (by tapping into) underground water as an additional effort,” he added.
He said 37 cloud seeding exercises had also been conducted with the help of Thailand’s Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agriculture Aviation.
On Selangor’s water restructuring exercise, Khalid said Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB) had agreed in principle to it subject to approval at its coming AGM.
He said it would take about one month before the takeover of PNSB was completed.
No factories moved or closed due to recent water crisis
The Star 12 Jun 14;
KUALA LUMPUR: There are no reports of factories being shut down or moving to another location due to the recent water crisis, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
Mustapa said at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the Government had taken various initiatives to reduce the impact of the water crisis.
Mustapa said despite the unfavourable weather, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority had approved 37 factory projects across Johor with an estimated investment of RM1.3bil.
“Due to the early notice on the water crisis, factories and companies have taken the necessary precautionary measures to store additional water for their operations,” he said.
Read more!
Wildlife smugglers sing the blues after songbird seizure
KATHLEEN ANN KILI The Star 12 Jun 14;
KLUANG: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) successfully tracked down and seized 241 protected White-Rumped Shama (or commonly called burung murai batu) at an oil palm estate in Kampung Sepakat here.
State Perhilitan director Hasnan Yusop said enforcement officers detained two suspects after they found the songbirds kept in 58 cages.
The cages were found at a premises believed to have been built specifically as a collection centre for the birds.
“After two weeks of collecting intelligence, we raided the premises located in an oil palm plantation near the village on Tuesday.
“We seized not only the birds but also nabbed two Indonesian suspects,” Hasnan said in a statement yesterday.
He said the case was being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and both suspects had been remanded to assist in investigations.
If found guilty, they can be slapped with a fine of up to RM50,000 or sentenced to not more than two years imprisonment or both.
“We believe we have successfully clamped down the illegal smuggling of White-Rumped Shama in the state.
“In April, we managed to confiscate some 40 birds of the same species kept illegally in Larkin.
“One suspect was fined RM40,000 for the offence,” he added.
Hasnan believed that the White-Rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus), a protected species under the first schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act, were being smuggled into neighbouring countries.
“We are also tightening security at all entry points in the state to prevent wildlife smuggling,” he said.
Hasnan urged the public to report to the department on any suspicious activity that poses a threat to wildlife conservation.
Read more!
Malaysia swarmed by giant moths
Heather Chen BBC News 11 Jun 14;
Swarms of giant moths have descended on Malaysia, invading homes and even disrupting a national football match.
Thousands of the furry insects, with a wing span of up to 16cm (6in), interrupted a semi-finals match at the Darul Makmur Stadium last week.
Over 800 sightings were also reported in neighbouring Singapore last month, sparking intense online debate.
The Lyssa Zampa tropical moth, which is also known as the Laos brown butterfly, is native to South East Asia.
"The moths are actually present during other times of the year but in very small numbers, so they are usually not noticed by people," Mr Sivasothi said, adding that the creatures typically emerge between April and August every year.
Ecologist Anuj Jain said moths' use of light for navigation often causes them to head to built-up areas.
"Their tendency to emigrate in search of new uneaten host plants attracts these moths to light in urban city areas," he said.
Experts said that while people suffering from asthma may be sensitive to hairs on their wings, the nocturnal creatures do not pose any threat.
"The moths are harmless and the public has nothing to be afraid of," said Lena Chan, Director of the National Biodiversity Centre at the National Parks Board in Singapore.
"There is no need for people to protect themselves against these moths as they do not cause any allergies or diseases. In fact, they are important pollinators and are beautiful to watch."
Many Malaysians and Singaporeans however, took to the internet to share their moth encounters and to upload photographs of the winged creatures.
Although many seemed to welcome the arrival of the furry insects, others remained cautious.
"In China, moths are viewed as symbols of death as they represent the souls of deceased loved ones," said Chinese astrologer Cindy Wu.
"It is therefore considered a serious taboo to kill moths or disturb them."
Read more!
Best of our wild blogs: 11 Jun 14
Do Something For The First Time
from Hantu Blog
Green Media Roundtable Discussion: Singapore & the Environment
from Green Drinks Singapore
Updates from the team – Project LUWAK in Singapore and beyond
from Project LUWAK SG
Butterflies Galore! : Anderson's Grass Yellow
from Butterflies of Singapore
Proliferation of Crimson-rumped Waxbill
from Bird Ecology Study Group
Read more!
"Balik Pulau" - Exploring Singapore's island heritage
Alice Chia Channel NewsAsia 11 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE: While many know Singapore as a sunny island, not many are aware that it is an archipelago once made up of more than 70 islands. In recognition of this rich culture, this year's Singapore Heritage Festival (July 18 to 27) is themed "Our Islands, Our Home".
Ahead of the event, the National Museum of Singapore has launched an exhibition titled "Balik Pulau: Stories from Singapore's Islands". Visitors will be able to gain a better understanding of how islanders lived, worked and played, through video interviews, historical images and artefacts.
While some islands like St John's Island, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa have become popular getaways for busy urbanites, many are lesser known. For example, Pulau Seking was the site of the last kampung in the Southern islands, and it was linked to Pulau Semakau to form Semakau Landfill.
82-year-old Teo Yan Teck once ran a provision shop in Pulau Seking with his elder brother Yen Eng. They had lived on the island for close to 40 years, from 1955 to 1994, and were sad when they had to be re-settled to make way for the landfill. "At that time, we had to burn our fishing boat as there was no space to put it,” said Mr Teo. “I miss fishing on the island. The scenery and environment were good."
Indeed, as many of the islands have been transformed beyond recognition, stories like Mr Teo's become valuable links to the past. "We are always looking for new ways to work with communities and to find lesser known nuggets of interesting stories about Singapore. It's about treasuring what we have today, and appreciating what we had before as well,” said Ms Angelita Teo, director of the National Museum of Singapore. “Singapore has to move on, we have to develop in a global world. But it's also very important to hold on to our roots and to remember where we came from."
The exhibition, which runs till August 10, also highlights boat racing as an integral part of island life. These races took place regularly in the Southern islands until the 1970s, and attracted skilled sailors from the islands and even nearby Indonesia.
- CNA/xy
New exhibition harks back to S’pore’s island idyll
LOUISA TANG Today Online 11 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE — Those were carefree days of island living: Swimming in clear waters, walks by the sea with the woman who later became his wife, and free outdoor movie screenings, three times a week. But Mr Sugiman Jahuri’s idyllic life became a thing of the past when he moved to mainland Singapore at the age of 25 after living on one of the nation’s offshore islands for 12 years.
Mr Sugiman, now 75, was one of the residents on Pulau Bukom, an offshore island south-west of Singapore that is now home to the largest Shell oil refinery in the world. His story is one of those being captured in an exhibition by the National Heritage Board at the National Museum of Singapore, called Balik Pulau: Stories from Singapore’s Islands, which seeks to document the stories of those who lived, worked and played on the more than 70 islands that made up the Singapore archipelago.
Most Singaporeans have never had the chance to learn about the history surrounding these islands. Ms Angelita Teo, director of the National Museum of Singapore, said this is the first time the museum is exploring the heritage of Singapore’s many islands in such detail.
“Although the islands are small in size, their stories are anything but that. In fact, they are big in heart and soul, and speak volumes of island life back in those days,” said Ms Teo.
The exhibition is designed to be immersive so visitors can get to experience what island life was like. It also aims to inspire the present generation to visit the islands. Said curator Marcus Ng, 39, whose interest in the islands began after he visited a few of the offshore islands: “It’s a very interesting juxtaposition ... it’s an operational landfill (Pulau Semakau), but yet it’s a thriving habitat for mangroves and coral reefs.”
Before the oil refinery expanded in 1961, Pulau Bukom used to house a small community of about a thousand people.
Mr Sugiman was of primary-school age when he moved to the island from mainland Singapore. He began working for the oil refinery in 1956, but he was asked to leave the island a decade later, along with the last remaining villagers who lived there. “You really cannot find a place like that here anymore. Life was very simple then,” he reminisced. “Now, it’s so fast-paced.”
Mr Teo Yan Teck, who ran a provision shop on Pulau Sakeng for about 40 years until 1994, used to take a boat to nearby islands such as Pulau Semakau. Said the 82-year-old: “On the island, there was no stress. I was very upset when I had to leave for the mainland.”
So was Mr Sugiman’s wife, Mdm Annah Sarip, 66. “When I left Pulau Bukom, I missed my friends and the free movies the most.”
“Balik Pulau: Stories from Singapore’s Islands” is held in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest 2014. The exhibition is running till Aug 10 from 10am to 6pm daily. Admission is free.
Read more!
Singapore offers haze assistance to Indonesia, Malaysia
Channel NewsAsia 10 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE: In anticipation of the upcoming dry season, Singapore will offer assistance to Indonesia and Malaysia to help its neighbours suppress fires, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) said on Tuesday (June 10).
MEWR stated the assistance package offered to Indonesia is the same as offered in previous years, namely:
=One C-130 aircraft for cloud seeding operations;
=Up to two C-130 aircraft to ferry fire-fighting assistance teams from Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF);
=A team from SCDF to provide assessment and planning assistance to their Indonesian counterparts in fire-fighting efforts; and
=High-resolution satellite pictures and hotspot coordinates
The ministry said haze from land and forest fires during the traditional dry season from June to October has been a "perennial problem" in the southern Southeast Asia region in the past decade. This is mainly due to illegal land clearing and "slash and burn" agricultural practices in Indonesia, particularly Sumatra and Kalimantan, it said.
Singapore experienced its worst episode of haze last year when the three-hour PSI hit a record high of 401 on June 21, 2013.
"In the run up to the upcoming dry season, the Singapore Government has offered the Indonesian Government assistance to help combat possible land and forest fires. We hope this will help to prevent another episode of severe haze in the region," MEWR said.
It added that Singapore was also affected by transboundary smoke haze from Malaysia earlier in March, when the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entered the "Moderate" range and reached a high of 75 on March 12. Assistance was offered to the Malaysian Government to help combat land and forest fires should such a need arise, the ministry said.
- CNA/kk
Singapore offers haze assistance packages to Malaysia and Indonesia
New Straits Times 11 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE: Singapore has offered assistance to Indonesia and Malaysia to combat possible land and forest fires in the run-up to the traditional dry season.
In a statement today, the environment and water resources ministry said this was to prevent another episode of severe transboundary haze from affecting the region.
The assistance is in the form of fire-fighting and planning assistance from Singapore Civil Defence Force, and for cloud-seeding operations.
Transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires during the traditional dry season from June to October has been a perennial problem in the southern Asean region in the past decades.
Illegal land clearing and ‘slash and burn’ agricultural practices in Indonesia, particularly Sumatra and Kalimantan, have been identified as the main cause of the fire that results in transboundary haze pollution in the region.
Singapore saw its worst haze episode in 2013 when the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit an unprecedented high of 246 on June 20, far exceeding the levels in 1997 (138) and 2006 (128).
Given that there is a possibility of the El Nino weather phenomenon affecting our region this year, the ministry said smoke haze pollution in the region could reach worse levels this year if fires were not promptly stemmed at source.
In past years, Singapore has consistently offered assistance packages to Indonesia to help suppress fires.
Early this year, Singapore was also affected by haze from Peninsular Malaysia.
In March, this year, the 24-hour PSI entered the moderate range and reached a high of 75 on March 12.
The Singapore Government has also offered assistance to the Malaysian Government to help combat land and forest fires, should such a need arise.
– BERNAMA
Singapore offers to help Indonesia fight forest fires
The Star 12 Jun 14;
SINGAPORE has offered to help Indonesia fight its land and forest fires to prevent severe haze in the upcoming dry season.
It is willing to provide, among other things, high-resolution satellite images and hot spot co-ordinates, Singapore Civil Defence Force teams, and even an aircraft for cloud-seeding, the Environment and Water Resources Ministry said in a statement.
Willem Rampangilei, Indonesia’s deputy for the environment at the coordinating ministry for people’s welfare, said the country appreciated the offer, but would deploy its national capabilities first. “We do not reject the offer,” he said.
Singapore has also offered Malaysia help to combat such fires, though no details were given.
The Republic has offered haze assistance to Indonesia before. Since 1997, Jakarta has been using Singapore satellite pictures and hot spot co-ordinates and in 2005 it borrowed an aircraft and firefighters.
The annual regional haze is caused mainly by Indonesian farmers who take advantage of the dry season from June to October to burn land, clearing it illegally for agriculture.
The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index in Singapore hit a record, “very unhealthy” 246 last June 20, far above the previous record of 138 in 1997. The Environment Ministry has said this year’s haze could be worse due to the possible El Nino, which is linked to drier-than-usual weather in the region.
In April, Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya reportedly said the country would never again borrow equipment from Singapore and Malaysia, but he did not preclude future environmental collaborations.
He also said the two countries had previously lent Indonesia substandard equipment, which they had passed off as “considerable assistance”, thus making his country look bad.
Singapore’s Environment Ministry said it was “puzzled” by the comments about the equipment quality. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network
Read more!
Malaysia: Scorching temperatures are coming
BY P. ARUNA, KIATISAK CHUA, MICHELLE TAM, AISHAH AFANDI, AND VALERIE CHIN
The Star 11 Jun 14;
PETALING JAYA: The sweltering heat over the past few days is a taste of how hot it can be in the coming months.
Although there may be isolated rain and even thunderstorms in the next three months, the Meteorological Department says the average temperature could go as high as 36°C.
On Sunday, it said, meteorological stations in Felda Belera, Terengganu, and Daro, Sarawak, recorded readings of up to 37°C.
Apart from the hot and dry weather, more forest fires and thick smog are also expected in the near future.
The department said the country had entered the south-west monsoon season and Malaysians would experience an average maximum temperature of 33.1°C daily until September.
“The south-west monsoon season is synonymous with hot and dry weather.
“We expect to see more days without rain compared to days with rain and because of this, the heat from the sun will also become more apparent,” it said in an e-mail yesterday.
Despite the heat, the department said there would still be instances of heavy rain in the interior areas of west Peninsula Malaysia and in Sabah and Sarawak.
The northern and central peninsula are expected to record the highest daily average temperatures of between 33°C and 34°C during the next three months.
The looming thick haze, it said, would be hazardous to health and affect the agricultural, aviation and tourism sectors.
“During the previous strong El Nino phenomenon which hit in 1997 and 1998, the maximum temperatures went up between 0.5 degrees and two degrees above the average.”
On rain, the department said it expected up to 17 days without rain in the peninsula this month, and up to 19 days without rain for Sabah and Sarawak.
“During this dry season, the public is advised to drink a lot of water and avoid being exposed to direct sunlight.
“People are also advised to cut down on outdoor activities,” it said.
Global Environment Centre director Faizal Parish said water levels in the dams were also likely to drop due to the hot spell.
“This year may be an El Nino year which means there will be less rain than normal.
“It is better to be cautious now, minimise water use and wastage and not wait for any crisis,” he said.
According to the Selangor Water Management Authority website, water levels at the Sungai Selangor dam, which supplies water to over 60% of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor, stood at 43.52% of its capacity yesterday. It’s optimum level is 55%.
Cloud seeding is still being continued in Selangor in the target areas, especially over the Sungai Selangor dam.
785 projects not approved due to water supply crisis
New Straits Times 10 Jun 14;
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 785 development projects submitted to the government could not be approved due to the water supply crisis in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya from February until March, this year.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said in the same period, the government approved only 45 development projects.
"During the water rationing period, companies that use a lot of water for their operations had met with the ministry to seek assistance.
"Foreign investors were also afraid to come in due to the insufficient water supply as water is a vital component of their operations.
"If the water supply problem is not resolved, it will not only adversely affect domestic consumers but will also be a loss to the nation," Mahdzir said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narrashid (BN-Kota Tinggi) at the Dewan Rakyat sitting, here, today.
Earlier, to the original question from Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani (BN-Titiwangsa) on the latest developments of the Langat 2 water treatment plant project, he said the contractor had started the preliminary works involving surveying the land and marking its boundary while waiting for other approvals from the Selangor government.
"The ministry and state government are also in the final stage of entering into an agreement, detailing actions that need to be taken in implementing the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides on Feb 26," he added. -- BERNAMA
Read more!
Indonesia: Sumatra Sees Surge in Hotspots After Relative Lull
Jakarta Globe 10 Jun 14;
Jakarta. Satellites on Sunday detected 227 hotspots across Sumatra — the highest number in three months, after a relative lull — including 37 in the hard-hit Riau province, where blazes have caused school cancelations and widespread respiratory illness.
According to information obtained by NASA’s Aqua and Terra satellites, fires were burning over the weekend in Aceh, Jambi, North Sumatra, Riau, South Sumatra and West Sumatra, state-run Antara news agency reported.
“There are three helicopters on standby, as the [rental] contract expires in September,” National Disaster and Mitigation Agency (BNPB) information division head Agus Wibowo said on Monday, as reported by Antara. The helicopters could carry a combined 8,600 liters of water, he said.
Riau officials said that plans for cloud seeding and water bombing were underway.
As of Friday, two days before the surge, NASA only detected eleven Sumatra hotspots, and only two in Riau.
BNPB predicted that El Nino, at the end of June, would bring hot, dry weather, causing blazes to flare up again.
Read more!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
visitors since Nov 07