KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Haze conditions in Malaysia are expected to improve as the country enters the monsoon transition period, followed by the northeast monsoon, said Environment Department (DOE) deputy director-general (development) Azuri Azizah Saedon.
The changing monsoon patterns, including increased rainfall and shifts in wind direction, are expected to help disperse the haze.
“We hope that when the monsoon transition begins, haze episodes will decrease, followed by the northeast monsoon, which usually brings more rainfall.
“We also hope that the wind direction will change, as this has an impact on the haze situation affecting our country,” she said during a question-and-answer session at the DOE’s media engagement session at the Pavilion Hotel today.
Azuri was asked to comment on the effect of the monsoon transition period on haze conditions in Malaysia.
The monsoon transition period is expected to occur from October to November, while the northeast monsoon typically takes place from November to March.
Malaysia has been experiencing haze since August following forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
She added that Malaysia is currently experiencing the southwest monsoon and will enter the monsoon transition period soon, although the exact timing will be announced by the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Meanwhile, the nation has been engaging with Indonesia through diplomatic channels over haze and forest fire issues.
Azuri said that Putrajaya has also offered assistance, including facilities and assets to help Indonesia tackle fires, but has yet to receive a formal written response from Jakarta.
