Malaysia: Malaysia should develop an early haze warning system to protect public health following recurring episodes of air pollution or haze. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Besut Campus director Associate Professor Dr Azman Azid emphasized the need for Malaysia to transition from crisis management to a more proactive crisis prevention strategy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azman, a researcher in air quality and environmental issues, stated that most of the data required for developing an early haze warning system is already available. This data can be integrated to detect haze risks earlier, potentially reducing respiratory-related illnesses. He highlighted a significant increase in asthma cases, as reported by the Ministry of Health (MOH), correlating with deteriorating air quality.
Azman suggested that Malaysia should not only focus on monitoring Air Pollutant Index (API) readings but also on the broader impact on public health. He advocated for a proactive approach that includes forecasting and prevention, alongside monitoring and warning. He also noted that Malaysia already has a weather forecasting system, indicating the feasibility of establishing a similar system for haze.
The proposed system would integrate various data sources, such as hotspot data, satellite imagery, meteorological data, air trajectories, API readings, and respiratory disease patterns, to create a comprehensive haze and health warning system. Azman explained that this would allow for earlier preparedness in hospitals and schools, enhancing public safety.
Azman stressed the importance of regional cooperation through the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and urged for more integration of data to forecast haze earlier. He clarified that the early haze warning system would complement, not replace, the existing API.
He also called for stricter enforcement of laws related to open burning and bush fires, and for enhanced ASEAN cooperation in areas like fire source mapping, smoke trajectory forecasting, and firefighting assistance. Azman emphasized that addressing haze requires a multifaceted approach, involving fire prevention, peatland management, atmospheric modeling, and sustainable land use practices.
In conclusion, Azman acknowledged that while it may not be possible to prevent every smoke plume from entering the country in the short term, efforts can still be made to reduce fires, forecast smoke movements earlier, and prioritize public health protection.