World · Malaysia Bureau
Over 500 fire hotspots in Indonesia blamed for Malaysian haze
Indonesia's Department of Environment has identified more than 500 active fire hotspots across Kalimantan and Sumatra as the primary source of smoke affecting Malaysia's air quality. The moderate to thick haze is expected to persist as long as the Indonesian fires remain uncontrolled.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Malaysian authorities have traced the current haze blanketing the country to extensive forest fires burning across Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra regions, according to findings from Indonesia's Department of Environment.
The department has pinpointed over 500 active hotspots concentrated in the two provinces, with smoke plumes drifting across the Straits of Malacca and into Malaysian airspace. Officials characterised the smoke as ranging from moderate to thick intensity, contributing significantly to the degradation of air quality across several Malaysian states.
The cross-border haze phenomenon occurs regularly during the dry season, when vegetation fires in Indonesia's peatlands and forests intensify. The situation is expected to remain challenging until Indonesian authorities bring the fires under control and climatic conditions improve.
Malaysian residents in affected areas have been advised to monitor air quality indices and take necessary precautions, particularly those with respiratory conditions or sensitivities to poor air quality. Regional cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia remains crucial in addressing the transboundary pollution challenge.