|Figure 1 Regional Haze Map|
Source: NEA Meteorological Services Division
As seen in Figure 3, the prevailing southwesterly to westerly winds carried in some smoke haze from the fires in Sumatra (National Environment Agency [NEA], 2010). According to Malaysia’s Department of Environment (DOE), decline in air quality levels was first recorded around noon on Saturday, 16 October (Bernama, 2010).
|Figure 2: Regional PM10 Conc. 20/10/2010|
Source: Nea Meteorological Services Division
In Malaysia, deterioration in air quality levels have been reported in certain areas, such as in north Johor, Malacca, Negri Sambilan and Sengalor in the past few days (Star Online, 2010). The Air Pollutant Index (API) for Muar in Johor reached 311 as of 5PM yesterday. This corresponds to ‘hazardous’ air quality. As part of the measures to reduce health impacts, schools in Muar were closed and thousands of masks were distributed to the residents (Jakarta Globe, 2010). Hazy conditions in several areas had also decreased visibility. In several areas in Malacca, Kuantan, Batu Pahat and Petaling Jaya, visibility declined to between 4 and 7 seven km (Bernama, 2010). As of 7AM today, 21 areas had ‘moderate’ air quality (API from 51 to 100) while the rest had ‘good’ air quality.
|Figure 3: Wind direction in Indonesia, Singapore |
and Malaysia. Source: The Strait Times.
On 20 October, Channel News Asia (2010) reported that Singapore’s Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said that the ASEAN environment ministers may need to meet again to discuss additional measures to address the haze issue if the situation gets worse.
For more information:
Malaysia: Member of the public may call DOE at toll free line 1800-88-2727 or access http://www.doe.gov.my for API updates.
Singapore: Members of the public may call NEA Call Centre at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632) or access www.nea.gov.sg for any feedback or update on the situation.
ASEAN Haze Action Online: http://haze.asean.org/index.php
ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution: http://haze.asean.org/hazeagreement/
Singapore Haze Action Plan: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/psi_hazeplan.aspx
Singapore PSI: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/psi.aspx
Understanding Singapore PSI: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/psi_faq.aspx
NEA Meteorological Services Division: http://www.weather.gov.sg/wip/web/ASMC
Malaysia API - http://www.doe.gov.my/apims/index.php
Malaysia Meteorological Department: http://www.met.gov.my/
Is the PSI reading in Singapore the same as API in Malaysia? http://app2.nea.gov.sg/psi_faq.aspx
Brunei PSI - http://www.env.gov.bn/psireading/index.htm
Health Guidelines on Haze: http://www.moh.gov.bn/satisticshealthguidelines/guidelines.htm
ASEAN Secretariat, 2010. “Media Release: 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary.”13 October 2010. [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://haze.asean.org/news/1286960156/Media+Release:+6th+Meeting+of+the+Conference+of+the+Parties+to+the+ASEAN+Agreement+on+Transboundary
Bernama, 2010. “Open Burning in Sumatera Causes AQ in Peninsula to Deteriorate.” 19 October 2010. [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=536844
Channel News Asia, 2010. “Quick meeting among ASEAN ministers needed if haze worsens.”20 October 2010. [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1088213/1/.html
NEA, 2010. “News Release: Haze Outlook as of 19 October 2010.” [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/news_detail_2010.aspx?news_sid=20101019289272714168
Gunasingham, A., 2010. “Air quality worst since 2006.” Strait Times. 21 October 2010. [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_593407.html
Jakarta Globe, 2010. “Haze from Indonesia Forces Malaysian Schools to Shut: Report.” 20 October 2010. [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/haze-from-indonesia-forces-malaysian-schools-to-shut-report/402343
Star Online, 2010. “Haze woes in Johor and Malacca.” 20 October 2010. [Online]. Accessed: 21 October 2010. URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/20/nation/7261543&sec=nation
More news available at: http://cleanairinitiative.org/portal/news.