KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is still awaiting a response from Indonesia regarding the latter's efforts to combat the transboundary that has affected Malaysia.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that he would follow-up with Indonesia's Environment and Forestry minister, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, immediately over the matter.
"We have yet to receive a response (from Indonesia over the matter).
"However, we have done the necessary, including sending the letter directly to (Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Minister) and also the (Indonesian) embassy (in Malaysia).
"Apart from waiting for the response, we are also closely monitoring the situation (related to air quality readings in Malaysia)," he told reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia 2023 (ICEM 2023) here today.
ICEM 2023, which will end tomorrow, was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Nik Nazmi was asked to comment if Indonesia has responded to the letter sent by Malaysia on the on-going unhealthy weather situation affecting several parts of the country due to transboundary haze.
Nik Nazmi yesterday said that the letter was sent to his Indonesian counterpart as a follow-up action on the haze issue.
The letter was sent following Anwar's statement the day before, who wanted Nik Nazmi to coordinate with his Asean counterparts to resolve the transboundary haze issue.
On a related matter, Nik Nazmi said five areas namely Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan, Bukit Rambai and Bandaraya Melaka in Melaka; as well as Batu Pahat and Tangkak in Johor reported unhealthy air quality readings as of 10am today.
He added that 51 of the total 68 Air Pollution Index (API) stations nationwide registered moderate air quality readings with the rest of the stations reported good API levels.
According to Singapore-based Asean Special Meteorological Centre (ASMC), Nik Nazmi said there were nine hotspots reported in Sarawak; 16 in Sumatera and 193 in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
"We are closely monitoring this situation.
"If anyone has any information on open burning, please report it to the authorities," he said.
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