Launching of the Local and Transboundary Haze Study Report
An Afternoon of Recognition for Science and Technology
November 30, 2018One Belt One Road Teenager Maker Camp & Teacher Workshop 2018
December 24, 2018
The President of ASM, Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc launched the Local & Transboundary Haze Report on 8 October 2018 at Taman Tugu Negara, Kuala Lumpur.
Following the launch of the report, ASM Haze Task Force Chairman Professor Dato’ Ir Dr A Bakar Jaafar FASc provided a brief introduction to the report.
The Local and Transboundary Haze Study identifies and establishes a specific position for ASM in relation to the regional transboundary haze issue, addressing various stakeholders ranging from government ministries and agencies, policy makers, industry sectors, academics and the affected communities in Malaysia and the region.
The study analyses the root causes of the haze from three main aspects: Air Quality & Haze Episodes; Peat Area & Water Management; as well as Waste to Resources: Energy or Materials.
This report could serve as a tool for science diplomacy, where science can effectively contribute to having informed decision-making at all levels of government and stakeholders. The study concludes that the haze, a problem rooted in socio-economics, requires solutions rooted in socio-economics as well.
The report presented several recommendations, such as:
- Additional income for the nation can be earned by investing in the development of biomass-to-energy conversion facilities, as well as promote investment in these facilities by providing a conducive environment in which investments can be encouraged.
- Peat areas used for plantations or any other agro-forestry land developments should undergo suitable measures to reduce the risk of fire. Abandoned or underdeveloped peat areas should also be identified for rehabilitation so that these lands will no longer be fire hazards.
- Enforcement agencies should enhance measures to ensure no open burning is allowed, particularly during the southwest monsoon period from June to October. A local contingency plan should be developed and initiated during any severe haze episode (API reading of more than 500) to reduce local sources of pollution. The relevant authorities should also enhance current climate forecasting systems to predict El Niño events up to six months ahead and take precautionary measures well in advance.
- Studies on socio-economic and legal implications of the proposed contingency plans should be undertaken to formulate detailed measures to control local sources of pollution. To wholly understand the impact of haze, studies need to be conducted in highly affected areas to assess the health and social burden of diseases from haze.
- Effectively communicating scientific findings leads to better policymaking and can positively influence the policy process. Communicating the negative impacts of forest and land burning is important particularly in high fire-risk areas.