KUALA LUMPUR: The volcanic eruption of Mount Sinabung in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, today, is expected to affect several states in Malaysia.
Ash and smoke from the explosion are expected to enter Melaka Straits airspace, as well as northern and east coast states of the peninsula, tonight.
The states likely to be affected are Perak, Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Jailan Simon said the situation could affect flight operations between 1,500 to 5,000 meters.
However, he noted that the public has no reason to be concerned.
"Based on the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model (HYSPLIT) generated by MetMalaysia, as well as predictions from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in Darwin, Australia, the people need not be unduly concerned.
"It is not expected to affect the country's air quality. No earthquakes or tsunami are expected to hit Malaysia as a result of the volcanic eruption.
"The current Air Pollution Index (API) nationwide also shows that the air quality is in the range of 'good and moderate'" he said in a statement today.
He said those who wish to know more about the situation can visit the MetMalaysia website or download its myCuaca application.
Mount Sinabung erupted early this morning, spewing clouds of grey smoke and ash 5,000 metres into the sky.
According to a statement from Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the eruption occurred at 10.16am (western Indonesian time), with the smoke moving in an east-southeast direction.
The 2,451 metre volcano has not erupted since 1600, but became active again in 2010 and was put under alert level 3. It last erupted in Feb 2018.