Home / Environment / Malaysia Cancels Marathon Amidst Indonesia Wildfire Haze
Malaysia Cancels Marathon Amidst Indonesia Wildfire Haze
25 Sep
Summary
- Major marathon in Malaysia was cancelled due to persistent unhealthy air quality levels.
- Malaysia is exploring new legislation to address transboundary haze pollution.
- Wildfires in Indonesia are the primary source of the toxic smog affecting Southeast Asia.
The Kuching Marathon, slated for September 27, has been cancelled because of the ongoing haze crisis originating from wildfires in Indonesia. Organizers cited continuous monitoring of unhealthy air pollutant index readings and consultation with authorities as reasons for this difficult decision, emphasizing the precedence of public health and safety.
Kuching has experienced unhealthy air quality for the past week, with readings surpassing 100. The haze, predominantly from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra, has affected multiple Southeast Asian nations for weeks, leading to widespread respiratory illnesses.
Malaysia is now reviewing potential new legislation to combat transboundary haze, studying Singapore's existing pollution act. A special committee is being formed to strengthen anti-haze efforts, although drafting such legislation is acknowledged as a complex process.
Malaysia has also proposed a "science diplomacy" initiative and a sustainable haze fund at a regional meeting, receiving support from several neighboring countries. Further discussions will occur at a larger 11-country meeting in Vietnam in December. Open sharing of haze data is also encouraged.
The onset of the Northeast Monsoon around mid-October is anticipated to help alleviate the haze in Malaysia. However, monitoring will be intensified to prevent domestic fires from contributing to pollution after the monsoon, utilizing weather forecasting and satellite imagery.
