Jerebu: Smoke from a group of hot spots in Borneo, Sumatra - JAS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 30: The current state of ash in the country is due to a moderate to thick smoke buildup from a group of hot spots detected across much of Borneo as well as central and southern Sumatra.

Deputy Director-General (Development) Department of Environment (JAS) Azuri Azizah Saedon said ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) yesterday reported 327 hot spots detected in Borneo, while 191 were in Sumatra, besides one hot spot detected in Sarawak.

"ASMC also reported moderate border crossings observed covering some areas in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and the northwestern part of Borneo", he said in a statement today.

Subsequently, he said JAS continued to strengthen inspection, patrol and monitoring measures in areas at risk of fire, especially in peatlands and landfills, following the continuing hot and dry weather conditions.

"If there is a fault identified, follow-up action will be taken based on the results of inspections, investigations and evidence obtained in the field", he said.

Azuri Azizah said that JAS will continue to monitor the reading of Air Pollution Index (IPU), hotspots and cross-border dust developments, taking into account meteorological information as input in situation assessment and coordination of dust management actions at district, state and national levels.

As of 2pm, 23 areas in Peninsular Malaysia have registered IPU unhealthy with the highest readings recorded in several states, namely Selangor, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

He said the JAS action was implemented in an integrated manner in line with the National Emergency Action Plan (NAPP), which sets out the role of various agencies based on level and development of emergencies.

At the same time, JAS will continue to provide information on situation developments, monitoring results, patrols, Open Fire Prevention Operation (OMPT) and enforcement actions on a regular basis according to established reporting mechanisms.

He said the move was to ensure that developments in the situation can be continuously assessed and appropriate action taken at all levels.

JAS also emphasized the cooperation of industry parties in ensuring that air emissions from major sources are reduced, especially in areas where IPU readings exceed 300. -TVS