KUALA LUMPUR: The El Nino phenomenon is expected to occur in Southeast Asia next month and the resulting hotter and drier weather is set to worsen the haze in the region.
In Malaysia, the air quality dropped to unhealthy levels in parts of Peninsular Malaysia last month. There were also reports of a transboundary haze by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre in various places in Myanmar, Thailand and Laos in April.
Mohd Shahrul said according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, climate models suggest a return to El Nino conditions in the late boreal summer and the possibility of a strong El Nino developing towards the end of this year. Mohd Shahrul said when El Nino strikes, changes in atmospheric circulation can lead to a shift in wind patterns which, potentially, can cause smoke and pollutants to be transported over long distances.
"Regular air quality monitoring and reducing sources of pollution are essential to preventing severe haze events." "With dried-out peat comes the risk of forest fires and the creation of haze. And, with the return of the hot and dry weather due to El Nino, Malaysia’s haze situation is set to worsen," he said.
Heng said although the NDPE policy encourages best practices on existing lands, not all companies are committing to it. Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said recently he would lead the Malaysian delegation to the ASEAN Environment Ministers Meeting, 24th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting and the Technical Working Group meeting on cross-border haze on June 7 and 9 in Singapore.
She said although the AATHP being legally binding is a positive aspect, there are limitations in terms of enforcement mechanisms to ensure the countries are committed to their promises. Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act came into operation on Sept 25, 2014. It seeks to deter firms or entities outside the country from carrying out activities that contribute to transboundary haze.
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