Malaysia Urges ASEAN Haze Vigilance as El Niño Intensifies

Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Arthur Joseph Kurup. (Bernama)

On August 16, Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) officially urged southern ASEAN nations to intensify regional preparedness for an escalating El Niño phenomenon and worsening transboundary haze.

“The increasingly intense El Niño phenomenon poses a major challenge, especially for countries with vast and extensive peatland areas,” Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said in a statement.

He explained that the ministry’s move is underpinned by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC)’s recent report, which was tabled at the 37^th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) from August 10 to 13. It assessed that the El Niño is likely to be stronger than last year, with a projection of a longer dry period.

Just recently, under the guidelines of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, Alert Level 2 was officially activated on August 3. This mandate compels southern ASEAN members to submit continuous, daily emergency responses and active hotspot monitoring data.

In Malaysia’s case, Minister Arthur said, the El Niño phenomenon has been intensifying, alongside the Southwest Monsoon, since August 8. To manage the situation, NRES is collaborating with the Department of Environment (DOE), as well as the Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to track ongoing development, whilst pledging to issue regular public updates.

Meanwhile, residents living in highly impacted zones are strongly urged to limit their outdoor exposure, wear protective face masks, and maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water.