
Negeri Sembilan activates haze and open burning response plan
State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan confirmed the move after the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpassed 150 for 24 consecutive hours.
'The state government will intensify patrols and enforcement against open burning activities, especially in high-risk agricultural and industrial areas.
'We will also assess the implementation of cloud seeding technology in collaboration with federal agencies should air pollution levels continue to rise,' he said in a statement.
Veerapan urged residents to report open burning via the DOE complaint hotline and support sustainability efforts.
According to the DOE's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), eight areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels as of 6 pm.
Alor Gajah in Melaka recorded the highest reading at 157, followed by Seremban (155), Kemaman (153), Banting (152), Temerloh (152), Balok Baru (152), Nilai (146), and Johan Setia (140).
An API between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, posing risks to vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions. – Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Selangor haze: Parents can keep kids home as API worsens, schools told to monitor conditions
SHAH ALAM, July 24 — Parents in Selangor are permitted to keep their children home from school due to health concerns amid worsening haze conditions, the state government said today. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairperson Jamaliah Jamaluddin said while student absences will be excused, parents or guardians must notify schools accordingly. 'All principals and headmasters are advised to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) via the Department of Environment (DOE) website to ensure timely and appropriate action,' she said in a statement. Schools have been issued a directive outlining response measures if API readings exceed 100 (unhealthy) or 200 (very unhealthy). These include suspending outdoor activities and, if levels surpass 200, closing schools immediately to safeguard students' health. As of today, no haze-related illnesses or heatstroke cases have been reported in Selangor, according to the State Health Department (JKNS), which continues to monitor the situation. API readings have dropped in several areas previously affected, with Petaling Jaya (83), Klang (80), Banting (81) and Johan Setia (88) showing improvement from highs of 150. Shah Alam recorded a moderate reading of 90, while Kuala Selangor remains in the unhealthy range at 126. To address the haze risk, the Selangor DOE has activated its Open Burning Prevention Action Plan amid concerns over increased fire activity during the current hot and dry spell. Local authorities and plantation owners have been directed to tighten fire prevention measures and boost public awareness. 'Enforcement teams are patrolling high-risk areas and operations are underway at identified hotspots to prevent open burning,' Jamaliah said. — Bernama

The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Kuala Selangor's air quality hits unhealthy level with API of 137
PETALING JAYA: The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Kuala Selangor is at an unhealthy level of 137 as of 11.35am on Thursday (July 24). According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), out of their total 68 stations, 64 have recorded moderate levels while three areas are under the good category. An API reading between 101 to 200 is considered unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is considered moderate. Currently, Batu Muda and Shah Alam have an API of 92, followed by Johan Setia and Nilai, Negri Sembilan with 89. Other areas with slightly higher readings include Petaling Jaya with 85 and Cheras with 84. In Sarawak, the API readings range from 74 to 59, while in Sabah they range from 78 to 52. The areas with good API readings are Langkawi (40), Kangar, Perlis (42), and Balik Pulau, Penang (50).


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan monitors haze-related illnesses as API improves
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government will continue monitoring haze-related illnesses through five sentinel health facilities under the Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS). Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun confirmed 305 cases, including six asthma-related hospitalisations, as of last Monday. 'Current monitoring shows no significant increase in reported cases, and the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have declined since yesterday,' said Aminuddin. He expressed gratitude for recent rainfall, which helped reduce haze levels, and hoped for more rain in the coming days. Aminuddin, who is also Port Dickson MP, stated that cloud seeding is unnecessary for now but may be reconsidered if conditions worsen. The haze is believed to originate from open burning in Sumatra, Indonesia, as reported by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). Department of Environment director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar noted that 66 out of 68 air quality stations nationwide recorded moderate levels, with the remaining two reporting good air quality. Meanwhile, dengue cases in Negeri Sembilan remain stable, with 104 cases this week compared to 74 last week. Authorities are monitoring 25 active outbreak localities, including four uncontrolled outbreaks and four hotspots. – Bernama