OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Haze blankets Kuantan as fire rages in coconut plantation
- Admin UKK
- Berita
KUANTAN: Haze has blanketed the state capital, Kuantan, and surrounding areas today, caused by a massive fire that has been raging through a coconut plantation for nearly two weeks.
The tall structures in the state capital, including Menara Kuantan 188 and the Kuantan City Council complex facing Sungai Kuantan, were barely visible at noon today.
Nonetheless, daily life in the busy state capital was not affected, with businesses operating as usual. The air quality remains at a moderate level.
Meanwhile, a food stall operator, who wanted to be known as Lim Chuen, told NST that he fears the situation could worsen in the coming days amid the hot and dry weather.
The trader said he had experienced the haze in previous years, which forced him and his workers to wear face masks while manning the stall.
"I hope it rains and the air quality improves," he added.
Although the air pollutant index (API) reading in Balok Baru, where the fire broke out on Feb 22, has shown improvement, the winds are carrying the thick smoke towards the town centre.
Pahang Department of Environment director Wandi Yadzid Yaakob said the current wind direction has brought the smoke from the peat fires in Balok Baru to other parts of Kuantan.
Balok Baru is situated along the coast, to the northeast of the state capital, Kuantan.
The region is also home to plantations, including coconut plantations, and is near popular coastal destinations such as Balok Beach.
Meanwhile, a health department spokesman said members of the public especially those with respiratory conditions are advised to wear face masks when leaving their homes and those feeling unwell should seek immediate medical treatment.
API readings are categorised as good between zero to 50; between 51 and 100 (moderate); between 101 and 200 (unhealthy); between 201 and 300 (very unhealthy); and above 301 (hazardous).
Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, yesterday expressed concerns over the huge fire and urged all outdoor activities to be suspended.
The peat soil fire has affected some 130ha with firemen still fighting to put out the blaze.
Environmentalists in Malaysia have raised significant concerns about the impacts of climate change on the nation's environment.
They warn that rising sea levels and temperatures are leading to more frequent floods, food and water shortages, increased water pollution, and more intense heatwaves.
In response to these challenges, Malaysia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability has updated the National Climate Change Policy, aiming for a 45 per cent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.