|
"Unexpectedly, Brunei and
countries in Northern Borneo experienced unusual and
prolonged very wet weather," said Pehin Dato Hj
Abdullah, adding that the wet weather conditions had
resulted in flash floods and landslides.
Four Asean environment
ministers from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and one
Indonesian representative yesterday met to discuss
precautionary measures in anticipation of escalating
hotspot activities during dry periods.
The Asean Specialised
Meteorological Centre reported that occasional showers
interspersed with short dry spells can be expected in
May 2009, with brief surges in hotspots activities
during dry periods.
It was stated that the
traditional dry season in the southern part of Asean
region is likely to start around June and last until
September 2009, where slightly below normal to slightly
above normal rainfall is expected.
The ministers agreed
that member countries will share data on PM10
(particulate matter of less than 10 micron) to monitor
the impact of transboundary haze in the region, in
addition to reporting on the number of hotspots and
weather outlook.
The ministers lauded
Indonesia's efforts in implementing its Plan of Action
in dealing with transboundary haze pollution and urged
these efforts to be sustained.
Several new actions
taken by Indonesia to further enhance its efforts to
prevent and mitigate land and forest fires include the
writing of early notices to various stakeholders by
their Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Home Affairs
and Ministry of Agriculture to remain alert in
preventing land and forest fires.
They have also
mobilised a team from the National Disaster Management
Board to conduct ground checking in the Riau Province,
implement good agriculture practices in the West
Kalimantan Province and promote zero-burn campaign.
The ministers also
shared their experiences on the effectiveness and impact
of the action programmes.
Singapore suggested to
organise a forum in October 2009, inviting governors
from the fire-prone provinces to share the experiences
of Riau and Jambi Provinces, which was approved by the
ministers.
They then extended
their appreciation to Thailand for the approval of its
government to contribute US$50,000 to the Asean
Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Fund.
Similar contributions
have already been made by Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore
and Vietnam.
Thailand also offered
to host a workshop in June 2009 to discuss the
implementation of the Rehabilitation and Sustainable Use
of Peatland Forests in Southeast Asia project.
--
Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
