The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said recently that Malaysia is expected to experience prolonged hot weather from now until August, following the monsoon transition season.
According to him, the heatwave will affect all states, with the north and east coasts being the most severely affected.
Nik Nazmi explained that the situation in the north is particularly severe, with some areas bordering Thailand experiencing temperatures of over 37°C. He added that the hot weather is also responsible for the haze currently being experienced in the country.
“The area in the north is worse and most noticeable, with some areas bordering Thailand reaching temperatures of over 37°C,” he said on Saturday.
“We expect this situation to last until August because of the monsoon transition. After August, rain is expected to return,” he added.
The minister attributed the phenomenon to peat fires and open burning.
Peat fires refer to the burning of fuel sources buried deep underground, which are almost impossible to extinguish without re-establishing the natural water levels of the area.
Nik Nazmi noted that the hot weather has caused fires in forested areas and owned properties, and the haze is not confined to Malaysia but is also affecting other countries in the ASEAN region.
Since March 27, various government agencies have been fighting the peat fires in Kampung Beoh, the Beris Lalang subdistrict in Bachok, Kelantan.
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