Kuala lumpur: Five areas in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Melaka recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 3 pm today. Department of Environment (DOE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar identified these areas as Nilai (with an API of 162), Banting and Johan Setia (both 154), Putrajaya (139), and Alor Gajah (110). The air quality deterioration was attributed to haze drifting into the region over the past 24 hours, with no large-scale fires detected in the country so far.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff cited data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), noting that satellite imagery from NOAA-20 on July 19 recorded 65 hotspots in Sumatra, 30 in Kalimantan, and four in Malaysia, specifically two in Pahang and two in Selangor. The ASMC Regional Haze Situation dated July 20 indicated no haze smoke plumes were detected, though dry conditions were reported in southern Peninsular Malaysia and regions in Indonesia, including Sumatra and Kalimantan.
To combat the haze situation, the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) have been activated to coordinate responses among government agencies. The PTJK includes measures such as the activation of the Disaster Management Committee by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) if the API reading exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours. Additionally, outdoor activities at schools must cease if the API exceeds 100, with closures of schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres if the reading exceeds 200. Cloud seeding operations will be initiated subject to cloud presence and suitable weather conditions when the API exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours.
Wan Abdul Latiff also encouraged landowners to monitor high-risk areas such as landfill sites, forests, peatlands, and plantations to prevent encroachment or open burning. The public is reminded that open burning is an offence under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, punishable by a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Additionally, a compound of up to 50 per cent of the maximum fine may be imposed for each offence. Cases of open burning can be reported to the Fire and Rescue Department at 999 or to DOE via the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727. The latest API readings are accessible at the official DOE website or through the MyJAS EQMS mobile application.