Haze Watch - 2 November 2009

The report is compiled by the ASEAN Secretariat based on feedback from relevant ASEAN Member Countries and will be updated on a regular basis.

Report of Current Situation

Except for isolated hotspots detected in southeastern Borneo, the hotspot activities in the southern region remained mostly subdued due to prevailing wet conditions.

In Indonesia, hotspots are decreasing in Kalimantan and Sumatera. Most hotspots were detected in East Kalimantan (74), Central Kalimantan (65), South Kalimantan (49) and West Kalimantan (4). No smoke haze was detected. Fires mostly occurred in peatlands, abandoned areas and other land use. Rain has fallen in some fire prone areas.

In Malaysia, on 1 November 2009, No hotspots were detected in the country. As of 7.00 am on 2 November 2009, 48 stations recorded good air quality level and 3 stations recorded moderate level.

No fires were detected in Singapore. PSI reading was reported at good level (39). Visibility in both Changi Airport and Seletar Airport was 10km. Showers are likely in the next 2 days.

Based on FDRS reading, all fine fuels will easily ignite, potentially resulting in many fires in Thailand, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, parts of Sumatra and parts of Borneo. In mixed fuels, severe drought conditions and high-intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand, parts of Viet Nam, parts of Sumatra and parts of Borneo. In mixed fuels, both moderate- and high-intensity fires can be very common in parts of Thailand and parts of Sumatra. In mixed fuels, moderate intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand, parts of Sumatra and parts of Borneo. Persistent smoldering in natural peat areas and severe haze in parts of Viet Nam. Drought conditions in peat areas and high-intensity fires are possible in parts of Thailand, parts of Lao PDR and parts of Viet Nam. Smoldering in drained peat areas is possible in most parts of Thailand, parts of Lao PDR, parts of Viet Nam, Peninsular Malaysia, most parts of Sumatra and Borneo.

Resources Mobilised and Actions Taken

Indonesia

The Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) continues to provide information on weather situation and fire danger information.

National Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) continues to provide weather and climate outlook for Indonesia on a daily basis and rainfall outlook until December 2009, as well as Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) for Indonesia on a three day basis forecast.

Indonesia presented the progress of activities of land and forest fires control in the Meeting of 5th COM to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Singapore. Some mitigation measures were reported such as; continuing to monitor hotspot and conduct groundcheck; ensuring companies preparedness in responding to land and forest fires; establishing demo project site for the implementation of zero burning techniques; reminding local governments to establish local institutions responsible for land and forest fires; and mobilisation of Manggala Agni located in 30 operation areas in 10 provinces to support local effort. Indonesia also reported some collaboration activities for land and forest fires control between: Indonesia – Singapore for Jambi Province; Indonesia – Malaysia for Rokan Hilir Province, and Indonesia - Australia.

In Malaysia, at National Level, all Department of Environment (DoE) State Offices have been directed to intensify enforcement actions against open burning activities since 26 May 2009; Aerial and ground surveillance to curb open burning activities continue to be implemented throughout the country and all hotspot detected will be verified accordingly; The Air Division of DoE and the Central Forecast Office of Malaysia Meteorological Department (MMD) continue to remain vigilant and monitor the API readings and the weather conditions; The public can submit their open burning complaints to Department of Environment (DoE) through toll free 1-800-88-2727.

At Regional Level, H.E Minister of Natural Resources & Environment on 6 September 2009 had written a letter to his counterpart in Indonesia to reiterate Malaysia's commitment and readiness to assist in fire fighting arrangements should the need arise.

Singapore has been sending high-resolution satellite pictures and hotspot coordinates to Indonesia to facilitate their fire detection and ground enforcement operations. The inter-agency Haze Task Force was held on 19 June 2009 to prepare for the dry season in the region. Members of the Haze Task Force have updated their respective Haze SOPs in dealing with potential smoke haze situation. Members have also been briefed on the regional haze forecast and outlook. Singapore also convened inter-agency Haze Task Force meetings to update members on latest development on the regional haze situation and outlook on 12 August 2009 and 2 October 2009. Officers from National Environment Agency and Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources visited Jambi Province on 24-25 June 2009 to call on the Jambi Governor and also follow up on the various APs implemented under the Indonesia-Singapore collaboration. A handover ceremony of the air and weather monitoring stations was held on 24 July 2009 in Jambi province, under the ambit of the Indonesia-Singapore collaboration. The ceremony was graced by the environment ministers of the two countries and Jambi Governor. Officers from National Environment Agency and Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources attended the 8th TWG and MSC meetings held on 18-19 Aug 2009 in Singapore.