THE Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) expects the poor air quality in the country will not persist due to frequent changing winds.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, however, said cloud seeding operations will go ahead if the Air Pollutant Index continues to deteriorate to unhealthy levels of 151 to 200 for more than 24 hours.

“It  (cloud seeding) will be subject to favourable atmospheric conditions,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Nik Nazmi said MetMalaysia also provides a forecast of up to five days of cross-border smoke movement using prediction models.

At the same time, he said there were no cases of large-scale open burning reported in the country.

“Up to September 30, the Environment Department received a total of 3,922 complaints of open burning cases, 80% of which involving the burning of garbage,” he said.

He said the number of hot spots also decreased to 714 compared to 2,091 in 2019.

He said next month, the country is expected to enter the northeast monsoon phase with heavy rains forecast, especially in the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia and west Sarawak, adding that this will help alleviate the smog problem.

Nik Nazmi also said that the government will undertake an in-depth study on the need to enact a transboundary haze act because it involves technical and international legal aspects, adding that implementation could prove challenging if it involves a unilateral agreement.

On action that can be taken against parties that cause cross-border air pollution, Nik Nazmi said for now, the Malaysian government is taking a diplomatic approach.

So far, we have not made a claim for damages against any country or any company. We are in talks to find a solution in this matter,” he said. – Bernama, October 10, 2023.