Latest news with #MohdHishamMohdAnip
New Straits Times
25-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Johan Setia records unhealthy API, 64 areas at moderate levels
KUALA LUMPUR: Johan Setia in Selangor was the only location to record unhealthy air quality as of 8.30am today, with a reading of 152. According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollution Index (API) Management System, a total of 64 areas across the country recorded moderate API readings, ranging from 52 to 97. Among the highest were Pegoh in Ipoh, Perak (97); Shah Alam, Selangor (96); Putrajaya (95); and Tasek Ipoh, Perak (94). Only three locations, namely, Balik Pulau in Penang, Kangar in Perlis, and Langkawi in Kedah, recorded good air quality. An API reading between 0 and 50 is good, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and more than 300 is hazardous. Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) reported haze alert involving several states in Peninsular Malaysia. Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said there were 79 hotspots in Sumatera, possibly contributing to the haze carried by south-westerly winds.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
MET Malaysia urges vigilance as haze returns
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has confirmed that the haze, currently blanketing parts of the country, is largely due to transboundary smoke from central Sumatran forest fires, swept in by south-westerly winds during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Running from June to September, this monsoon typically brings dry weather and scant rainfall – conditions that significantly elevate the risk of forest, peatland and bush fires both locally and in neighbouring nations, particularly Indonesia. 'Central Sumatran forest fires are the primary cause of the haze affecting several western Peninsular Malaysia states, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca,' said MET Malaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. Satellite imagery from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on July 19 pinpointed 65 hotspots in Sumatra – down from the 79 seen the previous day – indicating ongoing fires are still fuelling cross-border air pollution. 'The haze is being carried into Malaysia by prevailing south-westerly winds,' explained Mohd Hisham, adding that no significant downpours or wind shifts are expected in the coming days, which could persist or worsen the situation. Although not a direct cause, climate change is undeniably prolonging and intensifying the region's dry spells. 'Global warming is leading to drier, more extreme seasons across Southeast Asia, increasing the frequency and severity of fires,' said Mohd Hisham. He urged the public to exercise caution, especially between July and October, when haze episodes are most prevalent. 'Amidst these hot, dry conditions, stay hydrated and minimise outdoor activities, particularly during peak heat. If venturing out is unavoidable, take precautions like wearing a hat or use an umbrella,' he advised. He said open burning should also be strictly avoided, as it exacerbates air quality and contributes to environmental degradation. 'Prolonged exposure to thick haze can lead to health issues,' Mohd Hisham warned. Fortunately, MET Malaysia anticipates no strong El Nino this year, unlike the severe haze episodes that choked the region in 1998. This suggests that, barring a surge in uncontrolled fires, conditions are unlikely to deteriorate drastically. To stay informed, Mohd Hisham encouraged the public to consult MET Malaysia's website, the myCuaca mobile app, and their official social media channels. He added that Malaysia continues to pursue regional cooperation through the 2002 Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. 'However, there remains no legal enforcement mechanism to enable countries to take firm action against those responsible for the haze, particularly from illegal forest burning.'
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Port Dickson and Johan Setia record unhealthy API levels
KUALA LUMPUR: Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan and Johan Setia in Selangor recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 4 pm today. According to the Environment Department's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) website, Port Dickson registered an API reading of 124, while Johan Setia recorded 109. Meanwhile, 60 other areas recorded moderate API levels, including Banting, Selangor (94), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (89), Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (86), Kota Bharu, Kelantan (85), Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (84) and Sungai Petani, Kedah (83). API readings between 0 and 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), while 300 and above are hazardous. The API data is released hourly, based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. Environment Department director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, in a statement, said the department has intensified enforcement efforts and daily patrols in areas prone to open burning, while continuing to monitor API readings. He said the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) have been activated to coordinate government agencies' response to open burning and haze-related situations. 'All landowners are advised to closely monitor fire-prone areas such as landfills, forests, peatlands, plantations, agricultural sites and industrial zones, and to prevent encroachment by irresponsible parties that may lead to open burning, whether intentional or otherwise,' he said. Under the PTJK, all outdoor activities at schools must be suspended when API readings exceed 100, while schools, kindergartens and childcare centres are to be closed immediately if the API surpasses 200. Cloud seeding operations will also be carried out if conditions permit, especially when the API exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours. Meanwhile, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said several west coast states in Peninsular Malaysia are currently experiencing transboundary haze due to 79 hotspots detected in Sumatra, Indonesia. He said the haze was identified through satellite imagery from NOAA-20 on July 18, as well as reports from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre. 'This haze is likely carried by southwesterly winds. MetMalaysia does not expect any rainfall or changes in wind direction over the next few days that could help reduce the impact of the haze,' he added. The public is advised to obtain accurate weather updates via MetMalaysia's official website, the myCuaca mobile application, its official social media platforms, or by contacting the hotline at 1-300-22-1638. - Bernama
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
States in Peninsular Malaysia hit with transboundary haze from Sumatera, Indonesia
PETALING JAYA: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia have been affected by cross-border haze, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said. 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.
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Haze alert: Several states in Peninsular Malaysia affected, says MetMalaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Several states in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia have been affected by cross-border haze, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said. Its director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, said there were 79 hotspots in Sumatera, possibly contributing to the haze carried by south-westerly winds. This followed an analysis of NOAA-20 satellite imagery on Friday, as reported by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), she said.
