by DayakDaily
KUCHING, March 7: With the northeast monsoon reaching its tail end this month, Malaysia is expected to face warmer weather conditions until September as the southwest monsoon approaches.
According to a press statement issued today by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasts 20 to 40 per cent reduction in rainfall compared to normal levels for western Sarawak in April 2025, as well as for the northern, western, and eastern coasts of Sabah in March 2025.
Nationwide, normal rainfall levels are anticipated for July and August 2025.
The country is also expected to face the southwest monsoon, which brings hot and dry weather from around May to September this year.
The Ministry stated that while the weather condition is expected to turn warmer in the coming months, the hot weather this time is not expected to be as severe as in 2024 due to the weak influence of La Niña, which had caused slightly humid weather last year.
However, it warned that haze could still occur during this period if open burning incidents are not controlled.
It reminded all parties not to conduct open burning and to prevent land or premises from being trespassed by irresponsible parties, which could lead to open burning either on purpose or by accident.
“Strict action will be taken against those responsible for causing open burning, including landowners. If convicted under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, offenders can be fined a minimum of RM25,000 up to a maximum of RM1 million or imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
“A compound can also be imposed not exceeding 50 per cent of the maximum fine for each offence,” it said.
Meanwhile, following a National Committee on Haze and Dry Weather (JIJCKK) Meeting chaired by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Ministry said with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship this year, it would increase its efforts in improving the implementation of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).
It said, the government would also continue to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation with Indonesia to address this annual haze issue. – DayakDaily
