25-07-2025
Transboundary haze: School closures, cloud seeding part of action plan
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has activated the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan to coordinate multi-agency government efforts in addressing open burning and the risk of transboundary haze.
DoE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the activation of the plans would allow for early enforcement and monitoring, following the re-emergence of hotspots both domestically and abroad.
He said the National Haze Action Plan provides for a range of responses based on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, including the activation of the National Disaster Management Committee by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) if the API exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours.
"Schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately if the API exceeds 200, while early preparations will be made if readings show an increasing trend towards that level.
"In addition, cloud seeding operations (OPA) will be carried out if the API remains above 150 for over 24 hours, subject to the availability of clouds and suitable weather conditions," he said today.
As of July 23, monitoring by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 91 hotspots in Kalimantan, 42 in Sumatra, and 13 within Malaysia including 11 in Sarawak and one in Pahang and Terengganu.
"The Regional Haze Map released by ASMC on July 24 showed that dry weather continues across most parts of Southeast Asia, except for a few areas in northern Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia which experienced rainfall," he added.
Wan Abdul Latiff said satellite imagery indicated the presence of localised smoke plumes originating from hotspots in central and southern Sumatra, western and southern Kalimantan, and Sarawak.
"Accordingly, the DoE has intensified patrols and enforcement in high-risk areas and continues to monitor API readings closely," he said.
He also urged all landowners to closely monitor their premises to prevent trespassing or any activities that could trigger open burning, whether intentional or not.
"At the same time, the DoE advises the public to comply with directives and restrictions during haze episodes, including refraining from open burning that could worsen air quality.
"Anyone found guilty of open burning can be prosecuted under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which carries a maximum fine of RM1 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both," he said.
He added that compounds of up to 50 per cent of the maximum fine may also be issued for each offence.
Abdul Latiff also encouraged the public to extinguish small fires when possible and to immediately report any incidents to the Fire and Rescue Department at 999 or to the DoE at 1-800-88-2727.
"Real-time API readings are available on or via the MyJAS EQMS app on Google Play and the App Store.
he added.
