Wind shift could help ease haze in peninsula, Sarawak, says Zahid

Beijing, October 13 — A shift in wind patterns towards the Indian Ocean, anticipated within the next two weeks, may help mitigate the impact of transboundary haze in the Peninsula and Sarawak, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general informed the Deputy Prime Minister about the forecast, stating that alongside ongoing humanitarian efforts, the change in wind direction could spare Malaysians from enduring prolonged haze, said the official at a press conference today.

Currently in China for a five-day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, was asked about Malaysia's offer to aid in firefighting operations on forest and land fires responsible for the haze. He noted that Indonesia may not need assistance, as it has already deployed over 19,000 personnel and resources to tackle the situation.

"Malaysia has offered some assistance, but Indonesia itself has deployed over 19,000 personnel," the Deputy Prime Minister explained. "I do not think they will require help from Malaysia because they possess ample personnel and equipment to help extinguish the fires; however, we understand that the hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra cannot be extinguished immediately."

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reportedly reached out to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to express Malaysia's willingness to provide assistance. According to Ahmad Zahid, Malaysia had already extended firefighting aid consisting of one firefighting aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 officers and personnel.