Malaysia, Indonesia to ramp up anti-haze measures ahead of National Day

 Indonesia has given clearance for Malaysian cloud-seeding operations in its airspace, says minister Arthur Joseph Kurup.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said Malaysia remains prepared to assist in firefighting efforts should Indonesia require support, subject to Cabinet approval. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to ramp up measures to tackle cross-border haze and safeguard air quality, especially in the lead-up to the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said the commitment was reached during a phone call today with his Indonesian counterpart, environment minister Jumhur Hidayat.

“With El Nino expected to intensify by October, coinciding with the southwest monsoon, both nations are fully committed to stepping up prevention and early suppression measures,” Bernama quoted him as saying today.

The 69th National Day celebration is set to take place at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31, while the Malaysia Day celebration will be held in Kuching, Sarawak, on Sept 16.

Kurup conveyed the government’s appreciation to Indonesia for granting official clearance for Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to enter its airspace and target areas along the shared border.

He said the National Disaster Management Agency and meteorological department are preparing a timetable to synchronise their operations with the Indonesian armed forces.

He also affirmed that Malaysia remains prepared to assist in firefighting efforts should Indonesia require support at any time, subject to Cabinet approval.

As of 10am today, 10 areas across four states recorded unhealthy air pollutant index readings, with Serian in Sarawak posting the highest figure at 197, approaching the threshold for very unhealthy air quality. - FMT