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The wildfires in Indonesia could continue until early November, as the rainy season is expected to arrive late, according to Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni
Reuters, citing local media, reported Raja Juli warning that the El Niño-linked dry weather is expected to peak this month, complicating efforts to contain the seasonal fires.
Indonesia is reportedly battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with "super El Niño" conditions leaving the country's forests and fields parched.
The minister said the dry weather will likely continue for another one and a half months, with the rainy season likely to arrive in late October or early November.
"These forest and wildfires will remain with us until October or early November.
"We therefore urge individuals, farmers, and corporations alike to refrain from using fire during this very strong El Niño period," he said.
A recent photo of Pontianak in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Image via AFP via FMTThe ongoing fires in Indonesia are contributing to the haze currently affecting parts of Malaysia and Singapore
According to Bernama, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the the transboundary haze issue will be officially raised during his working visit to Jakarta from today, 17 September, until 20 September.
He said Malaysia will prioritise long-term diplomatic cooperation and early preventive measures rather than seeking compensation from neighbouring countries to address the issue.
Meanwhile, 27 areas in Malaysia are currently recording unhealthy air quality, according to data from the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System portal.
The air pollutant index (API) in these areas has risen above 101, with urban areas such as Petaling Jaya (149), Shah Alam (155), Cheras (157), Putrajaya (157), and Balik Pulau in George Town, Penang (131) recording unhealthy air quality levels.
View the live bulletin of the API readings here.
