Marine Dept, DCA asked to issue haze warnings

The Transport Ministry has instructed the Marine Department and the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to issue haze warnings to aircraft and ships operating at all airports and ports in the country.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said should visibility fall to below one nautical mile due to haze, fishing boats and small craft should stop operations for their safety.

"Similarly for aircraft, if the visibility falls to below 600 metres, landing at airports will be dangerous as the view is not clear due to haze," he told reporters after opening the Selangor MCA Convention at Wisma MCA, today.

Liow said the ministry hoped the Indonesian government would settle the issue of open burning and hotspots in the country which caused the haze phenomena in neighbouring countries.

Earlier, Liow who is also MCA president, called on party members to stay united so that the Barisan Nasional could wrest back the Selangor government leadership from Pakatan Rakyat.

"The top party leadership should strengthen usage of social media to interact with members and residents at their respective divisions and branches to better understand their problems," he said.

In this regard, Liow said Selangor MCA had set up a working committee headed by Selangor MCA secretary Ng Chok Sin to monitor the activities of the controversial Darul Ehsan Investment Group (DEIG).

"The establishment of the Darul Ehsan Investment Group (DEIG) by Menteri Besar, Mohamad Azmin Ali raises various questions as it was set up without the knowledge of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

"Selangor residents should start questioning the creation of DEIG as it is seen as bearing no synergy effect to the development of the state's economy.

"As such, Barisan Nasional as the opposition in the Selangor state assembly should monitor DEIG with the cooperation of the authorities should there be any irregularities," he said.

Meanwhile, Liow said to develop new village infrastructure and economy in the country, 27 people comprising members of the Village Development and Security Committee and village heads would be joining an MCA tour of China to exchange views on village development.

"In the trip, members of the delegation would get to interact with village heads in Jiangxi and Zhejiang to learn more about village development there.

"After the tour, it is hoped they will impart the knowledge acquired with residents in their areas to improve village management," he said.