Kuala Selangor API level hits 123

The Star

3 days ago

PETALING JAYA: The haze situation in the country is under close observation, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) in Kuala Selangor reaching an unhealthy level of 123.
Of the total 68 stations, 64 recorded moderate levels and three were in the good category, the Department of Environment's (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) reported.
API readings of between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy, while 51 to 100 are in the moderate category.
Perak recorded high API readings in several areas, including Tanjung Malim (96), Pegoh (90), Seri Manjung (87) and Tasek (86).
Other areas in the country with higher readings were Batu Muda (90), Shah Alam (89), Johan Setia (87) and Nilai (86).
IIn Sarawak, the API readings ranged from 56 to 76, while in Sabah, they ranged from 53 to 78.
Areas with good API readings were Langkawi (42), Kangar (42) and Balik Pulau, Penang (49).
Following the cross-border haze phenomenon, the National Haze Action Plan meeting was chaired by Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin yesterday.
In a statement, Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said only Kuala Selangor recorded an increase to the unhealthy level.
Four out of six Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Selangor recorded a decrease yesterday, which included Petaling Jaya, Klang, Banting and Johan Setia due to rain and a reduction in the number of hotspots, she said in a statement.
All schools in Selangor, according to Jamaliah, have received notices detailing the steps to take if the API reading in their areas reaches unhealthy levels.
These included suspending extracurricular activities to ensure the health and safety of students, she added.
'All schools must be closed immediately if the API exceeds 200. Principals and headmasters are also requested to monitor the current API readings to enable immediate and appropriate action to be taken.
'Parents who are concerned about their children's health can choose not to send their children to school but must inform the school authorities,' she added.
The exco member stated that as of yesterday, the Selangor Health Department confirmed there were no illnesses related to the haze phenomenon and no cases of heat stroke reported in the state.
Jamaliah said the state government will continue to activate the Open Burning Prevention Action Plan to protect air quality in the current hot and dry spell.
There will be increased ground monitoring patrols and use of drone technology in high-risk areas such as peatlands and landfills, with local authorities and plantation owners instructed to take measures to prevent fires, she said.
'We also urge the public not to carry out open burning activities, whether in residential, agricultural or open spaces.
'Haze not only affects air quality, but it can also pose serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly and chronic respiratory patients,' she said.
With the southwest monsoon expected to continue until September, the people are advised to refer to official portals to get the latest information and official advice on air quality and the haze situation.
To report open burning activities, contact the Selangor DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via the DOE eComplaint app.