KUCHING: Malaysia will not experience a severe transboundary haze this year, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He said this was because Indonesia seemed to be doing its part to honour its commitment to keep the annual phenomenon in check.

Speaking to reporters at his Hari Raya open house here, Wan Junaidi said that there were only a few hotspots in Sumatra and two in Kalimantan.

He however added that the haze would not be so serious this year as Indonesia faces a lot of pressure from Malaysia and Singapore as both nations suffer the most.

Indonesia is still going to be answerable to its neighbours based on the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution 2002," said Wan Junaidi.

Wan Junaidi also said that global warming was making weather conditions unpredictable and advised all local councils and state governments to take the necessary precautions for flash floods and protect low-lying areas.

“When there is rain during the current hot season, there will be thunderstorms with very strong winds. We are going to see a lot more of these,” said Wan Junaidi. - Bernama