Improved Visibility in Melaka Town during Haze Episode

October 7th, 2006

The frustrating haze problem which has been troubling a number of major cities in Malaysia for the past couple of days, has shown a healthy sign of giving back a clear blue sky and sunny day to residents in Melaka town.

Yesterday, 6th Oct 2006, the Department of Environment has recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) of 100 in Melaka town at 5.00pm evening. At night, the visibility was unsatisfying as well. Even objects in distance of 200 meters were appearing foggy.

Today, since this morning, I’m glad that the visibility in Melaka town has tremendously improved, and the sun is once again gracefully shining on the town.

This shot was taken at the pedestrian bridge crossing Jalan Tun Razak, connecting Melaka Sentral to Tesco. As shown, the Melaka’s state mosque, Masjid Al-Azim, which is at least a kilometer away, was visibly seen. Besides, the Straits Meridian Hotel located a few kilometers away was also present in sight.

Haze is a Recurring Issue in Malaysia

Due to the unresolved open burning and forest fires in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Riau province and other parts of Indonesia, haze has became a serious recurring environmental issue in Malaysia. When the forest fires in Indonesia got uncontrolled, high concentrations of pollutant particles such as dust and smoke will be blown to neighboring counties, forming blanket of haze. Counties like Malaysia and Singapore are usually the most significant victim. During severe haze episode, affected towns and cities in Malaysia will appear brownish, and in some extreme cases, smoky smell is surrounding the atmosphere.

Yesterday, unhealthy air quality was recorded in a number of towns, especially in Sri Aman of Sarawak. The haze issue is usually occurring to Malaysia in year end, and will stay for a week in average. In August of 2005, there was even a time when the need for wearing mask is strongly advised in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. That was the first time I wear a mask in public places.

Undeniably, when tourists are traveling in Malaysia during the hazy episode, they will face an unpleasant experience. Though Malaysian government is trying very hard to control the air quality from worsening when the haze hit our atmosphere, but the root cause ought to be resolved in Indonesia as long term solution.

Let’s hope that today’s improved visibility in Melaka town will continue to get better on the following days.

Related Previous Posts

• Melaka Sentral - Getting to Melaka by Bus
• Ancient Fortress Wall Unearthed in Revolving Tower Construction Site
• The Search Continues – Spirit of Melaka
• Melaka and George Town Listed as UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites
• Jonker Walk Music Festival 2006

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