Kuala lumpur: Some 1,211 hotspots have been detected across the southern ASEAN region based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite imagery analyzed by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore yesterday. Department of Environment (DOE) deputy director-general (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon reported the hotspots include 1,180 in Kalimantan, 18 in Sumatra, and 13 in Malaysia, with specific locations in Perak, Sabah, and Sarawak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Regional Haze Map issued by ASMC revealed that most of the southern ASEAN region is experiencing dry conditions. However, certain areas like northern Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia have received rainfall. The map also shows widespread hotspots in Kalimantan and isolated ones in Sulawesi and parts of Sumatra, as well as some hotspots in central Sarawak and eastern Java.
Moderate to thick transboundary haze was detected over West Kalimantan, with the haze moving northward into western Sarawak. Similar haze conditions were observed across much of Kalimantan, central Sarawak, and central and southern Sumatra. Several air quality monitoring stations in these areas recorded unhealthy to hazardous air quality levels. Cloud cover, however, has made it challenging to fully determine the extent of the hotspots and haze.
The ASEAN Secretariat has activated Alert Level 3 for the region, in response to the increase in hotspot activity and haze spread, as per the Standard Operating Procedures for ASEAN Monitoring, Assessment, and Joint Emergency Response. Meanwhile, the DOE is actively monitoring air quality, hotspots, weather conditions, and haze trends under the National Haze Action Plan. Response measures are being coordinated with related ministries and agencies. In Sarawak, the state DOE is conducting patrols and Open Burning Prevention Operations, focusing on high-risk areas like forests, peatlands, and industrial sites.
The PTJK mandates suspension of outdoor activities when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100, and immediate closure of schools, kindergartens, and nurseries when readings surpass 200. Current DOE data shows 13 areas with unhealthy API readings, two areas at very unhealthy levels, and two areas at hazardous levels, with Serian District Police Headquarters in Sarawak recording the highest API of 374. The public is strongly advised against open burning and encouraged to report any fire incidents to the Fire and Rescue Department or the DOE.