Low chance of Anak Krakatau ash reaching Malaysia, says MetMalaysia

Its director-general Hisham Anip said this was based on analysis of current wind direction and speed, as well as monitoring of the volcanic ash movement, reported Berita Harian.

He said the ash is currently concentrated around the Sunda Strait and nearby areas in Indonesia, adding that the main threat should the ash reach Malaysia would be disruption to domestic and international flight operations.

“MetMalaysia will continue to monitor the situation using satellite data and atmospheric analysis.

“Information from global volcanic ash advisory centres will also alert us to any potential movement of the ash into Malaysian airspace and we will then inform the public,” he said.

Ongoing eruptions at Anak Krakatau since Friday prompted six Indonesian airports to suspend flight operations and affected routes linking Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, Doha and Amsterdam.

Hisham said changes in wind direction and speed, as well as the possibility of further eruptions, could influence the movement of the ash, which are monitored by volcanic ash advisory centres under the supervision of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

“If the information received indicates a potential impact on Malaysian airspace, MetMalaysia will issue volcanic ash threat warnings or advisories to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Air Force, airlines and airport operators,” he said.

Hisham also clarified that the reduced visibility currently being experienced, particularly in Sarawak and parts of western Peninsular Malaysia, was caused by transboundary haze and not volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau.