Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again. Indonesia is heading towards the peak of its dry season, which will be sometime in September, and forest fires are already raging in our neighbour’s backyard, causing haze to spread to other countries.

Just last week, the Indonesian government issued a haze warning as the number of forest fires and hotspots increased in Riau and West Sumatra, a total of 158 on Friday alone, up from 106 the day before, as reported by Coconuts KL.

Indonesia’s disaster agency spokesmen Sutopo Purwo Nugroho mentioned that smoke from fires in Riau has begun to make its way across the Malacca Straits. He also said that of all the hotspots detected, many are already on fire or are about to go up in flames.

Right now, Malaysian water bombers are already on standby to put out the fires in Indonesia. As reported by Malay Mail Online, Dr Shahidan Kassim, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, stated that Malaysia’s firefighting aerial waterbombers are ready to go if Indonesian authorities ask for assistance.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in Malaysia are currently moderate at between 51-100 in Johor, Melaka, Kedah, and Terrengganu, while the rest of the country is currently showing readings below 50, which is considered good. However, this can change very quickly. Just yesterday, Melaka and Johor were showing API readings of over 73, and just last week, readings in Perak breached 90 on the index.

For now, the haze is not yet as bad as it was last year when the country was cloaked in smog, causing health concerns as hundreds fell ill and schools were closed. To date, the worst haze the country has experienced was in 2013 when API readings were in the hundreds. A state of emergency was declared in Muar and Ledang in Johor for two days as readings soared dangerously to 746.

Let’s hope that doesn’t happen this year, and that authorities will be swifter to react in putting out the illegal fires that’s causing the haze.

How to best avoid the haze

Here’s a list of tips from Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia that we have translated from BM:

1. Refrain from burning anything the land you own or lease out.
2. Avoid small fires and also to report cases of open burning or fire to the Fire and Rescue Services Department at 999 and the Department of Environment (DOE) at the toll-free line, 1-800-88-2727.
3. Those who suffer from illnesses such as coughs, colds, asthma, sore eyes, heart or lung disease, should visit a clinic immediately if conditions worsen.
4. Those in high-risk groups should always take medication as advised.
5. Masks should be used by all motorcyclists and those who work outdoors or in places that are dusty
6. As far as possible, people are advised to stay indoors.
7. Minimise outdoor activities like sports.
8. People are advised to always wash your face, hands, and skin that is exposed to the haze with clean water.
9. Use air conditioning when driving.
10. People are advised to drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day.
11. If the haze continues at a dangerous level, those at high risk are advised to leave the area.
12. Turn on your lights while driving when there is haze and visibility is reduced.