Transboundary haze-free for Malaysia this year - Wan Junaidi

According to weather indication, wind patterns and actions outlined in fighting forest fire, Malaysia is guaranteed to be free of transboundary haze this year, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) report also showed that the phenomenon of El Nino and La Nina, which brings rain and extreme heat, would not occur this year, thanks to the neutral state in the Indian Ocean which will continue until end of the year.

"MetMalaysia also reported that no abnormal weather will occur (this year), unlike in 2014 and 2015, which was seen to be among the factors that had caused the acute haze.

"The Department of Environment (DOE) will also take drastic action to prevent members of the public from carrying out open burning beginning next month, as it can cause clustered haze as occurred in Baram, Sarawak before," he said.

Wan Junaidi said this to reporters after chairing the National Haze and Dry Weather Committee meeting, which was also attended by DOE director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Kamarulnajuib Che Ibrahim.

- BERNAMA