Several areas in the country are experiencing “local haze”, which results from open burning, especially during the ongoing heatwave.
Photo via Bloomberg
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director-general (Strategic & Technical) Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that the lack of rainfall paired with open burning activities contributed to the unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API), which causes the haze.
“It definitely has a connection, the hot weather, and us not planting enough trees, whereas there are too many open burning activities to clear farms and so on, so these caused the local haze,” he told Bernama.
The Department of Environment (DOE) also reported that fires have occurred in forest reserves.
Dr. Mohd Hisham also advised the public to not carry out open burning, cut down on outdoor activities and to drink plenty of water.
Just recently, MetMalaysia announced that Malaysia was in the final phase of the North-East Monsoon, which is expected to last until the middle of this month.
Photo via TODAY Online
According to Malay Mail, based on the Air Pollutant Index (API) as of Tuesday (2nd March), three areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy readings, with the API of Johan Setia, Klang at 183, followed by Banting (165) and Petaling Jaya (141).
Please remember to drink lots of water, people! Stay indoors, and stay safe.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
