METMalaysia: Haze Expected To Arrive In August Or September If Open Burning Continues
2020 no chill.
By Tamara Jayne — 06 Jul 2020, 11:44 AM
Sorry folks, it seems that haze may be expected to return to Malaysia next month if open burning in Indonesia is not brought under control
According to Bernama, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said that haze may not occur soon.
However, if open burning continues in Indonesia, it could pose an issue for Malaysians sometime in August or September.
On 28 June, three provinces in Indonesia declared a state of emergency after more than 700 forest fires were detected in the country
METMalaysia director general Jailan Simon said that the hotspots were relatively lower than usual.
"Because of the wind direction and the location of the hotspots in the centre and east of the Kalimantan, Sarawak will be spared from haze, unlike in the previous years," he said, according to New Straits Times.
"However, if the bushfires are not contained, it could be detrimental to our country."
In the meantime, METMalaysia advises the public to drink water regularly and to avoid open burning at all times
Bernama revealed that the department will continue to keep an eye on the situation to see if it improves or worsens.
The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Malaysia is currently normal and falls under the 'good' and 'moderate' categories.
