States in Peninsular Malaysia hit with transboundary haze from Sumatera, Indonesia
Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said a report from Asean Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) found that there are 79 hotspots in Sumatera leading to the transboundary haze in Peninsular carried by south-westerly winds.
'MET Malaysia added that they don't forsee any rain or change of wind direction occurring in the next few days to reduce the haze in any way.
'The public is advised to refrain from any open burning activity as it will worsen the haze in the region and cause air pollution,' he said in a statement.
The public is advised to get the latest and most authentic weather updates via MET Malaysia's official website, MyCuaca mobile app and social media, or call 1-300-22-1638 for further inquiries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Cloud seeding fails to lift dam levels, Kerian Irrigation still halted
IPOH: Irrigation supply to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme remains suspended as Bukit Merah Dam water levels stay at the cut-off point, despite heavy rainfall from a recent cloud seeding operation. State Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) for irrigation from the dam's lake remains in effect, which sets the cut-off level at 20 feet (6.09 metres). "As of 8am today, the water level at the dam recorded an increase from 19.80 feet to 20.00 feet, and the dam's storage capacity also rose from 6.65 million cubic metres (12.2 per cent) to 7.25 million cubic metres (13.31 per cent)," Mohammad Nizar said in a statement today. "However, the dam's current status remains at the Irrigation Supply Cut-off Level as set in the existing SOP. "The increase in dam storage capacity helps somewhat to extend the availability of water for domestic use, but the supply for irrigation to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme still cannot be resumed," he added. The cloud-seeding operation, which was conducted around 12pm yesterday, led to effective rainfall in several catchment areas of the Bukit Merah Dam, with a noticeable increase in inflow at the Pondok Tanjung Station. The dam is located in Bagan Serai. The operation was led by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Royal Malaysian Air Force, and other relevant agencies. Mohammad Nizar said the dam's catchment area has reached the irrigation cut-off level of 20.00 feet since July 22, and based on the dam's operational SOP, the water supply to paddy fields has been temporarily halted to prioritise raw water supply. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who joined the aerial operation alongside senior officials from Nadma and MetMalaysia, said the operation was triggered by severe water shortages affecting surrounding communities and agricultural zones.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Govt ramps up heatwave response
SHAH ALAM: The government has intensified emergency measures to address extreme heat and the prolonged dry weather, activating over 3,300 tube wells nationwide and conducting cloud seeding over drought-hit areas. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department had been instructed to clean and operate the tube wells, especially in high-risk, fire-prone zones, as the Southwest Monsoon persists with lower rainfall and soaring temperatures. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been readied for operations," Zahid said after overseeing a cloud-seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base yesterday. "I've directed the fire department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention operations, particularly in areas prone to forest and peat fires when temperatures rise." Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said fast operational response was being coordinated through the fire department and district-level disaster management committees. The monsoon season is expected to last until mid-October and authorities remain on high alert. Zahid said the government had successfully carried out a cloud-seeding mission over the critically low Bukit Merah Dam in Gunung Semanggol, Perak, where heavy rainfall was reported just 45 minutes after the operation. "The dam's water level had fallen to a critical 12.21 per cent, or 19.8 feet (6 metres), by July 31 due to prolonged dry conditions." He added that the dam was important for padi irrigation, domestic supply, fisheries and flood mitigation. He said the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had identified suitable cloud formations inland from the Strait of Malacca, prompting the deployment of a Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. The aircraft released 6,000 litres of sodium chloride solution into the clouds, resulting in the desired rainfall. "This is a scientifically guided operation. With God's will, it brought the outcome we hoped for. We expect it will help ease pressure on local agriculture and water supply." Zahid also voiced concern over rising temperatures nationwide, highlighting that several areas, including Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Selama in Perak, Temerloh in Pahang, Limbang in Sarawak, and Tenom and Pitas in Sabah had recorded extreme heat for three consecutive days. MetMalaysia and the Drainage and Irrigation Department were monitoring other reservoir zones and potential hotspots for further intervention, he said. "Our focus is on areas critical for domestic, agricultural and industrial water needs. We will not wait for formal requests. Action will be taken when ground monitoring shows water levels have dropped below 30 per cent." Zahid said the Health Ministry would issue public advisories to limit heat exposure, especially for schoolchildren.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Malaysia activates 3,300 tube wells to combat dry weather challenges
SUBANG: The government has activated around 3,300 tube wells in fire-prone regions to mitigate risks from the ongoing hot and dry weather caused by the Southwest Monsoon. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is leading efforts to clean and reactivate these wells, particularly in vulnerable peatlands and forested zones. 'These tube wells were established earlier, and immediate operational measures are now in place through collaboration between JBPM and district disaster committees,' Ahmad Zahid told reporters after observing a cloud seeding operation at the Subang Air Base. He was joined by National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and MetMalaysia deputy director-general Mohd Zunaidi Mat. The Deputy PM warned that the Southwest Monsoon, expected to persist until mid-October, demands sustained preparedness from all agencies. 'NADMA and MetMalaysia advise heightened readiness, especially in extreme heat zones,' he said. Health advisories have also been issued to reduce public exposure to soaring temperatures. The Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends rescheduling outdoor school activities to safeguard students. 'Awareness campaigns must escalate to limit outdoor engagements, particularly for schoolchildren. District Education Offices are coordinating adjustments,' Ahmad Zahid added. Earlier, he reported successful cloud seeding over Perak's Bukit Merah Dam, where water levels had plummeted to 12.21%. Heavy rainfall occurred within 45 minutes of the operation, offering relief to affected communities and farmlands. - Bernama
