DoE detects seven hotspots in East Malaysia as transboundary haze worsens air quality

The Department of Environment (DOE) in Malaysia has detected seven hotspots contributing to worsening transboundary haze and deteriorating air quality, mainly in Sarawak and Sabah. Five hotspots were identified in Sarawak, with the highest API reading of 164 recorded in Kuching, while two hotspots were found in Sabah. Kalimantan and Sumatra collectively reported 226 and five hotspots, respectively.

The deteriorating air quality is attributed to the movement of haze from various directions, including transboundary smoke plumes originating from West Kalimantan. In response, the DOE has intensified enforcement actions, daily patrols, and activated the National Open Burning and Haze Action Plans to coordinate government agencies in addressing open burning and haze situations.

The public is urged to avoid open burning and report any cases to the Fire and Rescue Department or the DOE's toll-free line.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.