ASEAN Secretariat - The report is compiled by the ASEAN Secretariat based on feedback from relevant ASEAN Member Countries and will be updated on a regular basis.


Report of Current Situation

Numerous hotspots with smoke haze were detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

In Brunei Darussalam, on 24 – 25 August, one (1) short-lived bush fire was reported in Brunei Muara District, affecting 0.05 hectares of land. The bush fire was completely suppressed on 26 August 2006. The air quality in the country was within good level, i.e. 12 – 25, with the visibilities ranged to 25km. Today, 28 august 2006, it is expected that the weather will be dry with persistence of slight to moderate haze. One or two brief showers may break out later in the afternoon. The air quality was at good level with the PSI range of 12 - 25.

During the period of 25 – 27 August 2006, NOAA 12 still detected significant numbers of hotspot in Sumatra and Kalimantan . Smoke haze was observed both over Sumatra and Kalimantan . Most fires occurred within the abandoned areas of the ex-plantation, and mostly were occurred on peatland. Most fires were inaccessible, and water sources were difficult to find. The visibility in Palembang (South Sumatra) and Palangka Raya ( Central Kalimantan ) was 6 and 5 km, respectively.

In Malaysia, one (1) fire was detected by NOAA 12 in Pahang on 27 August, while at the same day NOAA 18 detected scattered hotspots in the states of Kelantan (1), Terengganu (1), and Sarawak (2). Today, 28 August, at 11.00 a.m., 35 stations recorded good air quality level and 15 stations recorded moderate level. None of the stations recorded unhealthy air quality status . At 10.00 am, in Peninsular Malaysia, the visibility in Kluang was 8 km. In Sarawak , the visibilities in Sri Aman and Kuching were 3 and 4 km respectively while the visibility in Bintulu was 8 km. It was more than 10 km elsewhere.

No fires were detected in Singapore. PSI reading was within good level (50). Visibilities in both Changi and Seletar airports were 7-10 km. There are chances of showers in the next three days.

In Thailand, the air quality in Surat Thani was recorded within good level (17), while in Phuket moderate air quality was recorded (61).

Based on FDRS reading, all fine fuels will easily ignite, potentially resulting in many fires in parts of Viet Nam , parts of southern Sumatra, and parts of southern Borneo. In mixed fuels, severe drought conditions and high-intensify fires can occur in parts of southern Borneo . Moderate intensity fires can occur in parts of southern Sumatra. Peat areas will produce widespread and severe haze from deep and long-burning fires in parts of southern Viet Nam , and parts of southern Borneo . Persistent smouldering in natural peat areas and severe haze are likely in parts of southern Borneo . Drought conditions in peat areas and high-intensity fires are possible in parts of Sumatra, and parts of Borneo. Smouldering in drained peat areas is possible in Thailand , Lao PDR, parts of Viet Nam , parts of Peninsular Malaysia, parts of Sumatra, and parts of Borneo.


Resources Mobilised and Actions Taken

Department of Environment Parks and Recreation of Brunei Darussalam continues monitoring the quality of air. Fire Service Department of Brunei Darussalam also continues to conduct air and ground surveillance for any fires incidence. Department of Civil Aviation of Brunei Darussalam also continues in providing information on weather situation.

In Indonesia, water bombing operations were conducted to suppress fires in Riau and West Kalimantan . More water bombing operations will be conducted in Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan and West Kalimantan. The Indonesia Government offered incentives to the farmers in fire-prone areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The Government of Indonesia also plan to conduct cloud seeding operation in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) continues to provide information on weather situation and fire danger information. Investigations upon companies in Riau and West Kalimantan provinces whom suspected for doing open burning are ongoing.

All DoE State Offices of Malaysia have been directed to intensify enforcement actions against open burning activities since 13 June 2006 in view of the beginning of the dry season. Aerial and ground surveillance are intensified to curb open burning activities in Malaysia throughout the country and all hotspot detected will be verified accordingly. The Air Division of DoE and the Central Forecast Office of Malaysia Meteorological Department (MMD) continue to remain vigilance and closely monitor the API readings, visibility and the weather conditions. In view of high number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, as well as the south-westerly monsoon, two meetings of the Working Group on Haze Action were held in early July and middle of August to prepare for the necessary local actions as well as to respond to the Level 2 & 3 Alert issued by the Interim ACC. DoE of Malaysia continues to disseminate daily information on current situation related to air quality to the public through mass media. The public in Malaysia can submit their open burning complaints to Department of Environment (DoE) through toll free – JASLINE (1-800-88-2727).

In Singapore, an Inter-Ministry Haze Task Force Meeting was held on 19 May 06 to update members on the regional weather and haze situation and assessment for the next few months.