Haze to linger till next year as El Nino turns up the heat

KUALA LUMPUR - Prolonged heat and dry weather is prolonging Malaysia's hazy skies until early next year, according to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup. The El Nino phenomenon is expected to intensify into a Super El Nino stage from October 2023 until January 2027, with effects persisting until June.

Low rainfall and hotter, drier conditions caused by the southwest monsoon alongside El Nino are responsible for the increased risk of open fires, particularly in fire-prone areas. Malaysia has agreed to assist Indonesia in tackling forest and land fires, offering aerial firefighting capabilities, firefighting support using amphibious aircraft, and cloud seeding operations.

The assistance will be detailed jointly with the Indonesian government based on ground needs and suitability. The National Disaster Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysian Meteorological Department, and Royal Malaysian Air Force are coordinating the efforts. Malaysia's preparedness includes strengthening prevention, monitoring, preparedness, and response measures to fires and transboundary haze.

The Asean Secretariat acknowledged Malaysia's letter urging member countries to redouble their efforts to prevent fires causing transboundary haze pollution.