Constant monitoring of hotspots to prevent haze

The number of hotspots in the Klang Valley is constantly monitored to prevent the recurring haze, the Dewan Rakyat was informed today.

In a written answer to Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), Natural Resources and Environment Minister Douglas Uggah Embas explained that the monitoring was carried out through satelite images provided by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre.

Karpal had asked about government measures taken to prevent the recurrent haze throughout the country, particularly in the Klang Valley.

Among other moves implemented were the Fire Prevention Programme and Peat Soil Management, as peat caught fire easily and was the main cause for localised haze, said Douglas.

The Ministry has also stepped up patrols and enforcement to detect open burning and exhaust emission from vehicles, he added.

He emphasised that there was increased cooperation among agencies directly involved with the control and monitoring of open burning to enable them to prepare early, especially during the hot and dry season between June and September.

– Bernama