The risk of volcanic ash from Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau reaching Malaysia is currently low, although changes in wind direction and speed, as well as possible further eruptions, could affect how the ash moves.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said current analysis of wind conditions and monitoring of the volcanic ash showed that the plume remained mainly around the Sunda Strait and nearby areas of Indonesia.
“MetMalaysia will continue monitoring the situation using satellite data and atmospheric analysis,” he said when contacted today.
He added that information from the global Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC) would also allow authorities to detect any potential movement of volcanic ash towards Malaysian airspace and alert the public quickly.
The ongoing eruptions of Anak Krakatau since Friday have reportedly caused volcanic ash to spread across parts of Indonesia, forcing six airports to suspend flight operations.
The disruption has affected both domestic and international flights, including routes connecting Jakarta with Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul/Incheon, Doha and Amsterdam.
Mohd Hisham said the biggest concern if the ash were to reach Malaysia would be potential disruption to domestic and international flight operations.
He explained that volcanic eruptions are monitored by VAAC under the supervision of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“If the information received indicates that there could be an impact on Malaysian airspace, MetMalaysia will issue volcanic ash threat warnings or advisories to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), airline operators and airport operators,” he said.
Mohd Hisham also clarified that the reduced visibility currently experienced in parts of Sarawak and western Peninsular Malaysia is caused by transboundary haze, rather than volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau.
He said MetMalaysia would continue monitoring both the volcanic ash movement and prevailing atmospheric conditions.
