BEIJING: A shift in wind patterns towards the Indian Ocean, expected within the next two weeks, could help alleviate the impact of transboundary haze in the Peninsula and Sarawak.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the forecast wind shift had been conveyed by the director-general of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
“In addition to ongoing humanitarian efforts, this change in wind direction could spare Malaysians from continuing to fall victim to prolonged haze,” he said at a press conference here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, is currently in China for a five-day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin, which began yesterday.
Regarding Malaysia’s offer to assist in firefighting operations to tackle the forest and land fires causing the haze, Ahmad Zahid said Indonesia might not require such assistance, given the deployment of a large number of its own personnel and assets to deal with the situation.
“Malaysia has offered some assistance, but Indonesia itself has deployed over 19,000 personnel.
“I do not think they will require help from Malaysia because they possess ample personnel and equipment to help extinguish the fires; however, we understand that the hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra cannot be extinguished immediately,” he said.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to convey Malaysia’s readiness to assist.
According to Ahmad Zahid, Malaysia had previously offered firefighting assistance comprising one firefighting aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 officers and personnel.