KLANG: Cloud seeding operations in the haze-effected area of Johan Setia is expected to take place on Sunday as the Air Pollutant Index (API) continues to hover above 200 — a very unhealthy level.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Jailan Simon said Sunday was the earliest the department could carry out the operations as the weather conditions were not favourable at the moment.
He said cloud formations were not suitable and it also depended on the wind speed, direction and moisture content.
“But we are ready to proceed earlier if the conditions were perfect.”
He said this to the media after visiting Johan Setia with National Disaster Management Agency director-general Datuk Mohtar Mohd Abd Rahman.
Jailan said two planes were on standby in the Subang Air Force base to carry out the cloud seeding operations.
“We are also ready to carry out cloud seeding in Johor or other areas, if needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohtar said they found no evidence of open burning at the area during the visit adding that the haze problem here was not due to local factors.
The API in Johan Setia stands at the highest in the country as of 2pm with a very unhealthy reading of 222. It has been rising progressively since morning.
At least 29 schools in the vicinity of the area has been closed today due to the haze problem. Johan Setia borders both Klang and Kuala Langat districts.
Yesterday, the Selangor government had announced that it would carry out cloud seeding operations in haze-affected areas with API readings of more than 200.
Its State Environment, Green Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Consumer Affairs executive councillor Hee Loy Sian said the measure was agreed at the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) meeting.
He said the Disaster Management Committee at district and state levels have also been activated when the API recorded readings of between 151 and 200.
If the unhealthy levels persists for more than 24 hours, the state government will also be supplying face masks to the public.
“All schools, kindergartens and nurseries were ordered closed immediately when the API readings exceeded 200.”
He said that to combat open burning and haze in Selangor, the state government would be adopting the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan issued by the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.
He also urged all parties not to allow their land and premises to be trespassed by irresponsible parties to carry out open burnings.
Hee stressed that those found guilty of open burning could face a fine of up to RM500,000 or five years' jail or both under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
He said a maximum compound of RM2,000 could also be imposed on each offence.
Previously, the State Health Department had also urged the people to reduce outdoor activities and follow the latest developments on air quality via DoE's website or the Mobile Air Pollutant Index (MyIPU) mobile application.
According to the DOE website, as of 2pm today, the API in Johan Setia, Klang is at a very unhealthy reading of 222 while five more areas recorded unhealthy levels - Shah Alam (142), Klang (137), Banting (136), Petaling Jaya (149), and Kuala Selangor (105).
An API reading of between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and above 300 (hazardous).
