Authorities warn against open burning amid rising API readings in Pahang
As of 6pm, the API readings in Temerloh and Balok Baru were both recorded at 152, compared to 100 and 75, respectively, yesterday.
Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman, Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff, said the current hot and dry weather could exacerbate the haze affecting the state.
"Due to the hot weather, the public, especially plantation workers, must refrain from conducting open burning. In the past, there were incidents where anglers discarded cigarette butts in forested areas, sparking fires.
"Peat and bush fires occur almost every year, so there are some concerns that similar incidents may happen again. Therefore, we must take all necessary precautions," he told reporters after presenting 'Inisiatif Makmur Pahang' aid at Kampung Padang Garuda here today.
Fakhruddin was commenting on the deteriorating air quality reported at the two API monitoring stations in Pahang earlier today.
Meanwhile, he said the Department of Environment would step up monitoring and patrols to prevent open burning, and offenders might face action under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
On the potential closure of schools, Fakhruddin said premises would be ordered to shut down if the haze situation reached a 'very unhealthy' API level.
"To my knowledge, the government will issue closure instructions once the air quality reaches a critical level," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
Sarawak May Face Haze If Biomass Burning Outside State Intensifies
GENERAL KUCHING, July 21 (Bernama) -- Sarawak may experience haze in the coming days or weeks if biomass burning continues to intensify beyond the state's borders, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak. In a statement today, NREB said the state's ambient air quality has shown a rising trend in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings since July 19, and as of 8 am today, 15 areas recorded API readings in the moderate category, while three areas were in the good category. 'No areas have recorded API readings in the unhealthy category so far,' the statement said, adding that the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre reported four hotspots detected in Sarawak between July 14 and yesterday. However, during the same period, 114 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia, with 93 of them recorded in the last two days, on July 19 and 20. 'Given that the country is currently in the southwest monsoon phase, which began on May 10 and is expected to end in September 2025, the region will experience consistent winds from the southwest. 'This condition may lead to potential transboundary haze and deterioration of ambient air quality in Sarawak,' it said. To address the situation, NREB has activated its haze operations room, conducted field patrols, suspended the issuance of controlled burning permits, and issued notices prohibiting open burning to all project developers. It has also carried out awareness programmes on the ban of open burning with other agencies to ensure air quality is maintained. In addition, it urged all parties to take joint responsibility in addressing the causes and reducing the risk of haze. 'The public is also advised to take precautions during this hot and dry period, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities and wearing face masks (N95 respirators) when engaging in outdoor activities, especially high-risk groups,' the statement said.
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Authorities warn against open burning amid rising API readings in Pahang
KUANTAN: The public is reminded not to carry out open burning to avoid further deterioration in air quality, in the wake of worsening Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at two monitoring stations in Pahang. As of 6pm, the API readings in Temerloh and Balok Baru were both recorded at 152, compared to 100 and 75, respectively, yesterday. Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman, Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff, said the current hot and dry weather could exacerbate the haze affecting the state. "Due to the hot weather, the public, especially plantation workers, must refrain from conducting open burning. In the past, there were incidents where anglers discarded cigarette butts in forested areas, sparking fires. "Peat and bush fires occur almost every year, so there are some concerns that similar incidents may happen again. Therefore, we must take all necessary precautions," he told reporters after presenting 'Inisiatif Makmur Pahang' aid at Kampung Padang Garuda here today. Fakhruddin was commenting on the deteriorating air quality reported at the two API monitoring stations in Pahang earlier today. Meanwhile, he said the Department of Environment would step up monitoring and patrols to prevent open burning, and offenders might face action under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. On the potential closure of schools, Fakhruddin said premises would be ordered to shut down if the haze situation reached a 'very unhealthy' API level. "To my knowledge, the government will issue closure instructions once the air quality reaches a critical level," he said.
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Barnama
Haze: Melaka Gov't Activates District Disaster Management Committees With Immediate Effect
MELAKA, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government, through the State Disaster Management Committee, has instructed that all District Disaster Management Committees be activated with immediate effect after several states in the country were affected by haze recently. The Melaka Chief Minister's Department's corporate communications division also said that the committees were required to take proactive measures according to guidelines set by the National Haze Action Plan. 'The Melaka government takes note of the haze that has hit several areas in the state, which is believed to be cross-border haze carried by south-westerly winds. 'Continuous monitoring of the Air Pollution Index (API) is being conducted by the Melaka Diaster Operations Control Centre with the help of the Melaka Environment Department (DOE) and the National Disaster Control Centre under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA),' the department said in a statement today. The highest API readings recorded in Melaka as of 2 am were Alor Gajah (Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 with a reading of 157), Bukit Rambai (PM2.5 with a reading of 94) and Bandaraya Melaka (PM2.5 with a reading of 86), indicating that Alor Gajah API was at unhealthy level, while Bukit Rambai and Bandaraya Melaka were at medium levels. The state government also advised the public to take precautionary measures in ensuring their general health. 'High risk groups like children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory problems are advised to reduce outdoor activities for the time being. The public is also advised not to carry out any open burning,' it said in a statement today. In PEKAN, the Pahang government said it is prepared to implement school closures in the state if the API readings exceed the very unhealthy threshold. State Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said this in response to reports of haze affecting two areas —Temerloh and Balok Baru in Kuantan — which recorded unhealthy API readings today.
