Haze Drifting In From Riau

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- A Department of Environment of Malaysia statement attributed the bad air quality in the Klang Valley and Perak on Friday to the haze coming in from across the border from Sumatera, Indonesia. The haze is expected to last for several days due to the forecast of a continued dry spell being experienced in several northern and west coast states at the moment. It said the satellite image by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre showed an increasing number of hotspots in Sumatera, Indonesia since Tuesday. The image also showed the haze drifting from Riau, Central Sumatera heading towards the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The DOE has activated its Prevention of Open Burning Plan in all states and heightened the implementation of the standard operating procedure for the Prevention of Peat Fires which are easily inflammable, to prevent and control any local contribution towards the deteriorating air quality. The public have been advised to refrain from open burning and to cooperate by putting out small fires and report any open burning to the Fire and Rescue Department @ 999 or DOE's toll free line 1-800-88-2727. -- BERNAMA