16 Sep 2019 | 01:49 PM UTC
Malaysia: Haze continues to impact several states September 16 /update 2
Haze continues to affect several states as of September 16 due to ongoing fires; situation to last until the end of September
Event
As of Monday, September 16, hazy conditions (dust, smoke, and vapor), which have reduced visibility and created health hazards, persist in multiple Malaysian states due to large-scale forest and agricultural fires in Sumatra, Indonesia. The Department of Environment (DOE) registered 29 locations across the country with unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality. Air Pollution Indexes (API) reached very unhealthy levels in the afternoon (local time) in Putrajaya (204 API), Kuching (229), Samarahan (193), and Sri Aman (208).
The Ministry of Energy, Sciences, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) declared on Sunday, September 15, that cloud seeding operations will be launched from Subang airport (SZB) at 11:00 (local time) on Monday in Johor and Selangor states, as air quality reached a very unhealthy level (API 258) in Johor state on Sunday, prompting authorities to close at least 211 schools in the Muar and Tangkat districts. On Thursday, September 12, similar operations have successfully reduced API reading across Sarawak state.
The ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) has forecasted that hazy conditions in the region can be expected to continue in the coming days with fires in Sumatra and Borneo islands persisting under the prevailing dry weather.
Context
Malaysia frequently experiences air pollution (haze) caused by forest fires in Indonesia between June to October.
An API reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 moderate, and 101-200 unhealthy.
Advice
Individuals present in Malaysia are advised to monitor Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the Malaysian Department of Environment. Seek medical assistance if needed and anticipate possible transportation disruptions.
