a day ago
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.
