BE READY FOR THE HAZE PHENOMENON 

Haze occurs when the presence of fine particles in high concentrations in the atmosphere thus reduces visibility, due to natural or man-made factors. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) expects a rise in temperature along with haze phenomena, especially local haze during the southwest monsoon period which starts from May 14 until mid -September. During the Southwest Monsoon, winds typically blow consistently from the southwest with lower air humidity and more stable atmospheric conditions. This leads to a reduction in the formation of rain clouds, the country experiences more rainy days than other seasons in addition to receiving low rainfall. In such weather conditions, the potential for open burning in all areas that are easy and often burn is very high such as in peatlands and landfills. 

At the same time, a very significant haze phenomenon occurs, not to mention when the occurrence of uncontrolled open burning, especially on a large scale. This is because in hot weather conditions, if we do open burning, it can spread and in turn result in haze. Therefore, open burning should be avoided to reduce the effects of haze and environmental pollution. The party who causes open burning can be convicted of Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of five years or both with a compound of RM2,000 can also be imposed for each offense.

In addition, the influence of external factors such as tropical storms in nearby countries such as the Philippines can also cause the situation to become dry in the Peninsula. In Indonesia, there is a possibility of forest fires because the dry weather is high and the wind from the southwest will bring the smoke to Malaysia in the form of cross -border haze. In 1997/98 for example, widespread forest fires in an ASEAN country caused widespread haze incidents in the Southeast Asian region. The incident has affected the tourism industry, the health of the population and the environment with an estimated total loss of 9 billion USD. In preparation for the haze, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) advises all those involved in disaster management to always be prepared for any eventuality, especially following hot and dry weather such as haze, forest fires and lower dam water levels. Among others, MetMalaysia is responsible for delivering rainless day notifications for at least seven consecutive days (every day) to the Department of Environment and related agencies as well as issuing advice if there are signs of cross-border haze. Meanwhile, drought monitoring will be done by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) on a weekly and monthly basis through the NAWABS Operations Center (National Water Balance Management System). 

TIPS IN THE FACE OF HAZE 

Due to the drier and warmer weather, the potential for drought is high, so the community is encouraged to use water more prudently during this period to avoid water rationing due to the water level in the dam is expected to decline. People, especially those at high risk such as the elderly and children, are advised to be more indoors and reduce outdoor activities to avoid being directly exposed to haze. If you are outdoors or go anywhere that involves outdoor activities, use a mouth guard to prevent you from inhaling this unhealthy haze. Also wash your hands and face often with soap that contains antiseptics, especially before meals. If possible, install high -efficiency air conditioners and air filters (air filters/purifiers) at home to filter fine particles and prevent the entry of air pollution from outside. Finally, always bring a water supply when you have to be in hot weather and make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of white water a day even if you do not feel thirsty to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. 

By: Prof. Prof. Dr. Haliza Abdul Rahman, Head of Laboratory, Youth Laboratory in Leadership, Politics & Citizenship, Social Science Studies Institute (IPSAS), UPM

Date of Input: 07/06/2022 | Updated: 07/06/2022 | nooryati