A view of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah building (left) and Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque shrouded in haze. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has directed the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Maritime Department to submit daily reports to him on the haze.
Liow said he gave the departments a week to compile the reports and would table the findings at the next Cabinet meeting.
He said the report would show how the aviation industry and ports were affected by the haze and measures that could be taken to reduce flight disruption.
“The haze has affected not only the economy and health but also the aviation industry which saw many flights being delayed, cancelled and re-directed.
“We are compiling this report to inform the Indonesian government that the haze is really affecting us (Malaysia) and how serious the situation is,” he said when met by reporters after attending the Cabinet meeting today.
He said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who chaired the cabinet meeting had briefed on the haze situation and that the government would be working with Indonesia to resolve the issue.
For the past weeks, Liow said the haze had worsened causing many flight cancellations and delays, while airports including in Subang, Sarawak and Johor were also affected.
In addition, he said the ministry had also instructed the Marine Department to issue haze warnings to vessels and ships operating at all ports in the country.
“We have issued circulars to ports and operators to ensure the safety of the ports. West Port too has also issued circulars to all vessels. Should visibility fall to below one nautical mile due to haze, fishing boats and small crafts should stop operations for their safety,” he said.
Liow said the ministry would continue to monitor the situation at all ports including the Straits of Malacca.
On preventive measures, he said the ministry was working closely with the Natural Environment and Resources Ministry on cloud-seeding at affected airport areas such as Subang, Senai and smaller airports in Kuching, Sarawak. — Bernama