KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — The haze situation currently affecting the country is not expected to show any significant changes for the next three to five days, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

MetMalaysia National Weather and Earthquake Operations Centre (POCGN) senior director Maqrun Fadzli Mohd Fahmi said that although rain is forecast to occur in several places, it is not yet able to restore air quality on a large scale.

“From the information we have so far, we have not seen a major change in the situation. We expect the situation to remain almost the same and in the next few days, there will be a little rain compared to the current dry conditions.

“We hope the rain will help, but if the air is very hazy, a little rain may not be able to remove the effects of the haze,” he said when interviewed on Bernama TV’s ‘Focus 15: Cross-Border Haze Threat.’

Commenting further, Maqrun Fadzli said the current haze situation is worse in the west and south of Sarawak, resulting in the closure of more than 100 schools in Serian yesterday, as well as affecting areas in the Peninsula including the Klang Valley.

Maqrun Fadzli said the main factor contributing to the situation is the Southwest Monsoon which usually occurs from May to September, which causes drier conditions and less rain.

“When we don’t get much rain, the weather will be hotter and this hot weather contributes to the risk of burning. From the burning, smoke and what we call haze are produced,” he said.

According to him, MetMalaysia constantly monitors hotspots using satellite images to identify forest fire areas before combining wind direction data to project the movement of smoke and suspended particles.

He said the information is used to identify areas with the potential to experience worse haze conditions and provide predictions of its movement.

Maqrun also advised the public to avoid open burning and reduce outdoor activities to avoid health risks due to unsatisfactory air quality.

As of this afternoon, data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal showed 10 areas recording unhealthy levels involving Samarahan, Serian, Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah and Sibu in Sarawak, as well as Johan Setia (Selangor), Cheras (Kuala Lumpur) and Minden (Penang). — Bernama