21/07/2025

MONDAY | JULY 21, 2025

5 Regional efforts needed to curb haze

o ‘Solving problem requires science, commitment and public involvement’

air quality with API readings below 50. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), transboundary haze from Sumatra, Indonesia, is currently affecting several west coast states. “A total of 79 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and smoke is being carried over by southwesterly winds,” said MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. He added that no significant rainfall or wind shifts are expected in the coming days, meaning API conditions could persist. In response, the Environmental Department has activated both the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan. Its director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar said enforcement patrols have been intensified, although no fires have been detected.

support are vital if we want long-term solutions. “Solving the haze problem requires science, policy and public involvement. With commitment and cooperation, there is a path forward to clearer skies and healthier air for all Malaysians.” As of noon yesterday, several parts of Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels. Nilai in Negeri Sembilan registered the highest at 164, followed by Johan Setia and Banting in Selangor at 155 and152 respectively. Temerloh in Pahang also crossed into the unhealthy range with a reading of 101. Putrajaya recorded a moderate level of 100, while Port Dickson showed a reading of 92. A total of 58 locations posted moderate readings between 51 and 100, including Cheras, Alor Gajah, Petaling Jaya, Batu Muda, Shah Alam and Klang. Only six areas recorded good

to longer, drier seasons that are perfect conditions for fires and open burning.” She urged the public to observe air quality levels and take precautions. “Health risks increase when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100, but even moderate readings could affect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.” Despite the possibility of haze, Norelyza is hopeful that it could be reduced through long-term, targeted efforts. “Strengthening early warning systems, encouraging the use of air quality monitoring tools and reducing open burning are critical.” Norelyza said on the regional front, Malaysia is a signatory to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. “We are making progress, but stronger implementation and better data sharing are needed. Capacity-building and technical and Lavanesh Haresh represented both accused. Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira, both aged 30, were charged with neglecting Zayn Rayyan in a manner likely to cause physical harm to the victim in the vicinity of Block R, Idaman Apartment in Damansara Damai up to the nearby river area between 12 noon on Dec 5 and 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023. They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment or a fine of RM50,000 or both, if convicted. Insp Nur Munawarah at 011-1624 0391, the Manjung District Police Headquarters (IPD) Operations Room at 05-688 6222 or the police WhatsApp hotline at 017-682 8005 to assist with the investigation. Hasbullah advised parents and the community to stay vigilant and be informed about issues involving sexual crimes against children. He also advised against sharing personal information with unknown individuals, especially online. “The public should activate the two-step verification security feature on Telegram as a measure to protect social media accounts and messaging platforms.” – Bernama

prolonged dry spells, low wind speeds and (conditions) that trap pollutants in the air.” While the source of haze has yet to be officially confirmed, she said the pattern is consistent with land-clearing activities in parts of Southeast Asia. “Agencies such as the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre help track hotspots and wind directions to determine the sources. “But it is important to acknowledge that domestic activities, such as open burning and emissions from vehicles also contribute to localised haze.” Norelyza said rainfall could provide short-term relief by removing airborne particles, but the effect is often temporary if pollution sources remain unchecked. She added that while climate change does not directly cause haze, it contributes to conditions that make it worse. “Rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns lead

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: An environmental expert has said haze could be prevented with better regional land management, enforcement, cooperation and public awareness. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Water and Environmental Engineering Department senior lecturer Dr Norelyza Hussein said the recurring issue is due to transboundary air pollution, particularly from the open burning of peatlands and forests. “What makes it worse are meteorological conditions such as

Decision on child neglect case today KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on whether Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin’s parents, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, would be called to defend themselves or acquitted by the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on charges of neglecting the six-year-old autistic child to the point of causing him physical harm, would be known today. acquitted of the charges. On April 24, the prosecution closed the case after calling 28 prosecution witnesses throughout the 20-day trial, which began on February 4. Among the witnesses called to testify were the first person to find Zayn Rayyan’s body, Faizul Najib Abd Munaim, Auni Afiqah Abas who was Zayn Rayyan’s caregiver, forensic medical consultant Dr Rohayu Shahar Adnan, three investigating officers and two 10-year-old child witnesses. Zayn Rayyan, 6, was reported missing on Dec 5, 2023 and his body was found the next day in a stream near his house. – Bernama Cops probe case of teen tricked into sending nude images Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh is scheduled to give the decision at the end of the prosecution case at 9am. If the court decides that the prosecution has succeeded in proving a prima facie case against Ismanira and Zaim Ikhwan, then they would be called to defend themselves, while if not, the two accused would be released and The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutors Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz and Nur Sabrina Zubairi, while lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris

IPOH: Police are investigating two reports involving a 15-year-old girl who was deceived into sending nude photographs to a person posing as a medical doctor via the Telegram app. Manjung police chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman said preliminary investigations revealed that the girl had submitted several images after being misled by the suspect. According to her, the suspect is believed to have made contact through the app and introduced himself as a doctor conducting remote health screenings. “She was asked to provide personal and family details, along

with nude photographs, allegedly for cervical and breast cancer screening purposes. “She was told that only the images were required and that no physical examination was necessary. The victim later realised she had been deceived and lodged a police report out of concern that the images might be leaked,“ said Hasbullah in a statement yesterday. He said the case is being investigated under Section 15(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. Members of the public with information related to the case are urged to contact investigating officer

Ramli said the boy drove for about two kilometres before losing control of the vehicle.

Police looking into car crash involving 11-year-old driver

SHAH ALAM: Police have identified the owner of a Proton Saga that skidded along Jalan Telok Gong in Klang on Saturday, with an 11-year old child allegedly driving. South Klang police chief ACP Ramli Kasa said the underage driver and two other children who were in the car during the 10am incident have also been traced. He said the 11-year-old and one of the passengers, a seven-year-old, are siblings and registered cardholders of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while the third child is their Malaysian cousin. “Investigations revealed that the children’s mother had driven them from Bandar Sultan Suleiman, North Klang, to her sister’s house in Telok Gong. She briefly left them

unattended to use the toilet,” he said in a statement yesterday. “During that time, the 11-year old took the car keys and drove off with the younger sibling and cousin to a nearby shop.” Ramli said the child drove for about two kilometres before losing control as they neared the shop, causing it to skid into a roadside drain. No injuries were reported and the car sustained minor damage to the front. Police have recorded statements from the parents of the child driver and are investigating the case under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving and Section 39(1) for driving without a licence (due to being underage). – Bernama

Manhunt launched to find Johor Bahru gunman JOHOR BAHRU: Police are on a manhunt for a suspect who fired a shot during an attempted robbery at a business premises in Taman Megah Ria in Seri Alam on Saturday. Seri Alam police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the incident occurred at about 7.10pm and the identity of the man is currently being determined. No injuries were reported. “The suspect entered the premises and pointed an object resembling a pistol at the victim, demanding cash. He then fired a single shot outside the premises before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.”

The case is being investigated under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971. Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Seri Alam District Control Centre at 07 3871422 or 07-38614222 or to report it at the nearest police station. – Bernama