Kalimantan hotspots surge to 808, raising risk of more haze

The number of hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, reached 808 on Wednesday, heightening concerns over transboundary haze potentially impacting Malaysia, according to the meteorological department. Director-General Hisham Anip stated that the southwest monsoon season has been responsible for smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan drifting towards Malaysia.

The season is predicted to conclude only in October, as reported by Berita Harian. Data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre revealed a significant increase in hotspots, with the number climbing from 301 three days prior to 461 on September 13, and 808 yesterday. Despite the rising hotspots, West Sarawak is anticipated to receive rainfall throughout this week, which may help mitigate the transboundary haze.

Hisham suggested that air quality is expected to fully improve once the northeast monsoon commences at the beginning of 2027, although it will bring drier and hotter conditions. As of noon, 38 out of 68 air pollutant index stations nationwide recorded unhealthy air quality, with the highest readings observed in Serian, Sarawak, and Johan Setia, Selangor, both at 185.