Latest news with #AirPollutantIndexManagementSystem
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Haze blankets Sarawak as API nears unhealthy level in Kuching
KUCHING: Haze began blanketing much of Sarawak's skies today, following several days of extreme heat. A survey from the 17th floor of the Sultan Iskandar Building showed that visibility this morning was significantly reduced. However, according to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) website of the Department of Environment (DOE), Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at all monitoring stations remained at a moderate level. As of 11am, Kuching recorded the highest API in the country out of 63 stations, with a reading of 97. Other readings included Mukah (93), Samarahan (88), Bintulu (83), Sarikei (79), Serian (73), Sibu (72), ILP Miri (70), Samalaju (70), Miri (68), Limbang (62), and Kapit (60). The hazy conditions are believed to be caused by open burning in several parts of the state and in areas near the Kalimantan border in Indonesia. To make matters worse, forest fires have been reported in Mukah since last night. A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department operations centre said firefighting efforts are still ongoing, covering an area of nearly one hectare.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
API nears unhealthy level in Kuching as haze blankets Sarawak
KUCHING: Haze began blanketing much of Sarawak's skies today, following several days of extreme heat. A survey from the 17th floor of the Sultan Iskandar Building showed that visibility this morning was significantly reduced. However, according to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) website of the Department of Environment (DOE), Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at all monitoring stations remained at a moderate level. As of 11am, Kuching recorded the highest API in the country out of 63 stations, with a reading of 97. Other readings included Mukah (93), Samarahan (88), Bintulu (83), Sarikei (79), Serian (73), Sibu (72), ILP Miri (70), Samalaju (70), Miri (68), Limbang (62), and Kapit (60). The hazy conditions are believed to be caused by open burning in several parts of the state and in areas near the Kalimantan border in Indonesia. To make matters worse, forest fires have been reported in Mukah since last night. A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department operations centre said firefighting efforts are still ongoing, covering an area of nearly one hectare.
The Star
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Kuala Selangor API level hits 123
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.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Kuala Selangor's air quality hits unhealthy level with API of 137
Find out what's new on ST website and app. An API reading between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is considered moderate. PETALING JAYA - The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Kuala Selangor is at an unhealthy level of 137 as of 11.35am on July 24. According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), out of their 68 stations, 64 have recorded moderate levels while three areas fall under the good category. An API reading between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is considered moderate. Currently, Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam in Selangor have an API of 92, followed by Johan Setia in Selangor and Nilai, Negri Sembilan with 89. Other areas with slightly higher readings include Petaling Jaya with 85 and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur 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, at 40 , Kangar, Perlis at 42 , and Balik Pulau, Penang at 50 . THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 2 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border Asia Live: Thai-Cambodia border clash Singapore Boy, 15, charged after being caught with vapes 5 times; ordered to stay 2 years in S'pore Boys' Home Business MOM probing work injury claim flagged by late Sumo Salad boss Jane Lee: MOS Dinesh Business New tie-up offers insurance savings for SMEs committed to workers' health and well-being Singapore What's key to a good life? Most Singapore residents choose emotional and mental well-being Singapore Astronomer executives' Coldplay scandal: Why it went viral and the obsession with public shaming World Trump was told he is in Epstein files, Wall Street Journal reports
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- 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).
