PETALING JAYA – Malaysians should brace themselves for more hazy days ahead as the weather will become hotter and drier in the coming months, said Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“We expect to see more haze, particularly during the current monsoon transition period that will last till August.

“The conditions during this transition period are usually hot and much drier, which could result in more hot spots,” he told The Star on Saturday.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in several states reached unhealthy levels as at 9pm on Sunday.

Segamat in Johor recorded an unhealthy API reading of 182. The API in other places in Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu also rose above 150.

“This does not include other areas where their air quality is gradually worsening,” the minister said, adding that the hazy conditions experienced by the country are caused by peat fires and open burning.

Peat fires in the Bachok district in Kelantan have worried many local residents. Some villagers in Kampung Beris Lalang and Kampung Beoh were shutting the windows in their houses, reported Bernama.

Ms Rashidah Ab Razak, 53, told Bernama that some of her relatives, including the elderly and children, have been experiencing respiratory problems since the fire started three weeks ago.

Besides the hot and drier weather during the monsoon transition period, resumption of economic activities after the Covid-19 pandemic was also contributing to the haze, said Minister Nik Nazmi.

“We were spared the haze for the past two or three years, as there was a slowdown in economic activities due to the pandemic.

“But the economy is now fully reopened and at full capacity again. As such, we expect the haze to return,” he said.

Mr Nik Nazmi said the government had anticipated the possibility of the haze returning.

“Malaysia is not the only country experiencing hot and dry weather. Several other countries in the region are also experiencing it,” he said.

“We have in fact already planned ahead and will hold a multi-agency meeting in the next few days to discuss the possibility of drier conditions and haze affecting the country.”

He said several ministries headed by a special task force would be roped in to tackle the issue.

Among them are the National Disaster Management Agency, Health Ministry, Environment Department, Fire and Rescue Services Department, and the Irrigation and Drainage Department, he added.

Mr Nik Nazmi said the emphasis would be on illegal open burning carried out by the private sector.

This, he said, was needed especially to prevent peat soil fires.

Separately, in Penang, the state government has warned stern action will be taken against those found to be involved in open burning.

“All commercial open burning will be investigated and submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.

“This usually means a fine or even jail. We will no longer compromise on such cases as this could result in serious consequences,” said state environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.

Any person found guilty of open burning can be sentenced to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 (S$150,000) or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK