KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians can expect even worse haze in the coming months as a direct result of hotter and drier spells during this period, the Environment Department (DoE) has warned.
DoE air division officer Ezahtul Syahreen Abdul Rahman said this is as the country enters the southwest monsoon phase, which typically sees most states experiencing minimal average monthly rainfalls of between 100mm to 150mm.
“If we look at the forecast by the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), we are likely to see less rain during this phase, and the weather will be much hotter compared with now.
“There is a high chance the haze will become worse from now,” she told The Vibes on Monday.
According to MetMalaysia, the country is currently in the monsoon transition phase, which is expected to last for two months beginning mid-March, with scattered thunderstorms and heavy rains.
Although MetMalaysia anticipates bouts of rain throughout this week, including during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period, an officer from the department told The Vibes that the coming southwest monsoon phase will result in most states experiencing more days without rain.
She said this is likely to last from the middle of May until September.
A check on MetMalaysia’s website found that some states can even anticipate an average rainfall of as low as 50mm in certain months.
Several states including Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor had recorded air pollutant index readings at unhealthy levels in the past couple of days.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had recently said his ministry is preparing for a potential haze spell in the peninsula, adding that his team will pay closer attention to peatland, flammable areas, and other sites that are prone to open burning.
He had said that the full reopening of economic activities following previous Covid-19 lockdowns have also contributed to the haze.
According to Ezahtul, emissions from industrial and vehicle activities will particularly cause tiny particles to saturate the air, resulting in haziness, especially on warm and humid days.
“When there is no rain, more of these particles will condense and saturate the atmosphere, hence the haze we experience,” she explained. – The Vibes, April 18, 2023
