Hoping for a downpour to wash away the smog? MetMalaysia says it won’t be enough for the next five days

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — The haze situation currently plaguing the nation is not anticipated to undergo any substantial improvements over the next three to five days, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). Senior director Maqrun Fadzli Mohd Fahmi of MetMalaysia's National Weather and Earthquake Operations Centre (POCGN) stated that although rain is projected in various locations, it has yet to demonstrate the capability to significantly alleviate air quality.

"From the data we currently possess, we have not observed a substantial shift in the scenario. We anticipate the condition to persist largely unchanged, with only minimal rainfall compared to the existing arid circumstances," Maqrun Fadzli informed during an interview on Bernama TV's 'Focus 15: Cross-Border Haze Threat'. He further elaborated that the present haze predicament is particularly severe in the west and south of Sarawak, leading to the closure of over a hundred schools in Serian the previous day, and impacting areas in the Peninsula, such as the Klang Valley.

The primary contributor to this situation, Maqrun Fadzli explained, is the Southwest Monsoon, which typically transpires from May to September, resulting in drier conditions and reduced rainfall. "When we do not receive ample rainfall, the weather becomes hotter, and this heightened temperature amplifies the risk of fires. From the burning, smoke and haze are generated," he elaborated.

MetMalaysia remains vigilant by monitoring hotspots via satellite imagery to detect forest fire locations and subsequently utilizes wind direction data to forecast the trajectory of smoke and particulate matter. This information enables the identification of regions that may face heightened haze predicaments and facilitates accurate predictions of its progression.

Maqrun Fadzli urged the public to refrain from open burning and curtail outdoor activities to mitigate potential health hazards stemming from subpar air quality. As of this afternoon, the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal disclosed that ten regions were experiencing unhealthy levels, encompassing Samarahan, Serian, Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, and Sibu in Sarawak, alongside Johan Setia (Selangor), Cheras (Kuala Lumpur), and Minden (Penang).