Latest news with #Jamaliah
The Star
5 days 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.
The Star
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Air quality improves in Selangor except in Kuala Selangor
PETALING JAYA: Four out of six Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Selangor recorded a decrease on Thursday (July 24), namely in Petaling Jaya (83), Klang (80), Banting (81), and Johan Setia (88) due to rain and a reduction in the number of hot spots. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin stated that only Kuala Selangor recorded an increase to unhealthy readings, namely 126 as of 11am, compared to 86 on Wednesday (July 23). "Shah Alam recorded an increase in the API reading to 90 compared to 87 on Wednesday, but still at a moderate air quality level. "The highest API reading of 150 was recorded in Johan Setia and Banting on July 21," she said. She added that following the cross-border haze phenomenon, especially in the Johan Setia and Banting areas a few days ago, and most recently in Kuala Selangor, the National Haze Action Plan Meeting chaired by the Selangor State Secretary, Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, was held on Thursday (July 24). Additionally, she mentioned all schools in Selangor have received a letter outlining the steps to be taken if the API reading in the school area reaches unhealthy levels (API > 100) or dangerous. This includes suspending extracurricular activities to ensure the health and safety of all students, Jamaliah said. "All schools must be closed immediately if the API exceeds 200. Principals and Headmasters are also requested to monitor the current API readings via the official website of the Environment Department to enable immediate and appropriate action to be taken. "Parents who are concerned about their children's health are allowed not to send their children to school and are asked to inform the school authorities. "As of today (July 24), the Selangor State Health Department has announced that no cases of illness associated with the haze phenomenon have been reported in Selangor, and no cases of heat stroke have been recorded in the state," she said. With the Southwest Monsoon expected to continue until September 2025, the public is advised to refer to official portals such as the Environment Department, the Malaysian Meteorological Department, and other relevant agencies to obtain the latest information and advice on air quality and haze. Jamaliah stated that the state government, through its Environment Department, will continue to activate the Open Burning Prevention Action Plan as a measure to deal with possibilities that could affect air quality during the current hot and dry weather period. These include increased ground monitoring patrols and the use of drone technology in high-risk areas such as peatlands and landfills, and instructions to local authorities as well as plantation owners to take preventive measures and strict control to prevent fires, she said. Simultaneously, the standard operating procedures of the Peatland Fire Prevention Programme have also been activated involving several related agencies with notices issued to landowners and notification to the Forestry Department and local authorities to conduct ground patrols and monitoring through observation towers. "To strengthen implementation on the ground, patrols were also carried out in high-risk areas, in addition to the implementation of the Operation to Prevent Open Burning in identified hotspot areas. "We also urge the cooperation of the public not to carry out any open burning activities, whether in residential, agricultural, or open spaces. Haze not only affects air quality, but can also pose serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and chronic respiratory patients," she said. To report any open burning activities, contact the Selangor Environment Department Hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via the Environment Department eComplaint application.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Selangor launches free ambulance service for non-emergency healthcare
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is set to roll out its 'Ambulans Kita Selangor' programme to enhance healthcare accessibility for residents. Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin announced the initiative, which will provide free non-emergency ambulance services for those in need, particularly for hospital appointments and follow-up treatments. 'Through this programme, the state government aims to deliver more efficient and systematic ambulance services,' said Jamaliah. St John Ambulance Malaysia Selangor will serve as the key strategic partner, ensuring wider service coverage and reinforcing the state's healthcare system. Jamaliah emphasised that the collaboration reflects the state's dedication to improving public health services. 'This effort demonstrates our commitment to strengthening healthcare through trusted partnerships,' she added. The programme is expected to benefit low-income groups and individuals requiring regular medical attention. – Bernama
The Star
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Steep drop in dengue fever cases in Selangor
SELANGOR has recorded a 66.1% drop in cumulative dengue fever cases up to July 5 this year, compared to the same period in 2024. State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said a total of 13,685 dengue cases were reported, down from 40,313 cases during the corresponding period last year. 'A total of five dengue-related deaths have been recorded so far, compared to 12 fatalities in the same period last year,' she said during the Selangor state legislative assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam today (July 10). She said this in response to question by Syed Ahmad Abdul Rahman Alhadad (PH-Lembah Jaya) on dengue awareness campaigns and preventative measures. She said the decline in dengue cases was the result of the coordinated efforts by various stakeholders, namely the Selangor health department, local authorities, district and land offices and non-governmental organisations in the implementation of dengue control and prevention programmes. Jamaliah also said that the people who live in areas identified as dengue hotspots could take preventive measures to protect themselves, such as using mosquito repellent sprays or lotions. She also warned young adults, particularly those in their 30s and with underlying health conditions, not to take fevers lightly. There was a common presumption that only children, the elderly, and pregnant women were at higher risk of fatality from dengue, she said. 'Some of the dengue-related fatalities involved adults in their 30s who had pre-existing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 'There is a tendency among young adults to dismiss fevers as something minor,' she said, adding that early medical treatment could significantly reduce fatality rates. In response to an additional question from Dr Quah Perng Pei(PH-Bandar Baru Klang) on the availability of the dengue vaccine as a preventive measure, Jamaliah said the state was not encouraging its use at present, as it was still new to Malaysia. Although the vaccine was an effective preventive measure, she said the side effects were not conclusive as they need at least five years to collect and analyse the data. StarMetro, in an article dated June 14 last year titled 'No plans for wider roll-out of dengue vaccine in Selangor', quoted Jamaliah as stating that the Qdenga vaccine, which offered protection against all four dengue virus serotypes, was officially launched on June 11 last year and had been available in private clinics and hospitals since mid-May of the same year.
The Star
09-07-2025
- The Star
Coloured water in Sungai Kapar Kechil traced back to two premises in Klang
The coloured water in Sungai Kapar Kechil on June 18 has been traced to a plastic recycling factory and liquid latex storage facility at Jalan Kapar, Klang. Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin ( pic ), in a statement, said an investigation by Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) on July 6 uncovered suspicious activity at a premises in Batu 8 Industrial Area near the river. The statement said Luas suspected that a pump found at the factory was being used to discharge effluent from its pond into the river. 'Further checks also revealed that two additional pumps were used at the premises to extract river water without authorisation. 'Luas has instructed the facility to cease using the pumps. 'Samples taken from several spots around the premises were sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis and further action. 'Luas has opened an investigation paper under Section 79(4) of Luas Enactment 1999 for polluting water sources and under Section 107(b) of the same law for the unauthorised extraction of water,' she said. A follow-up investigation on July 8 pointed to another premises that was believed to have contributed to the pollution. She said an inspection of the liquid latex storage facility revealed a leak in the outlet cover of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank storing blue-coloured latex used in glove manufacturing. 'The premises did not have a containment pond to manage the flow of the coloured liquid waste, which had flowed into the facility's drainage system, then into a nearby ditch and eventually into Sungai Kapar Kechil. 'Luas issued a directive under Section 121(1) of Luas Enactment 1999, instructing the facility to halt and seal the flow immediately, and to carry out clean-up works at all affected areas within the premises. 'Luas also conducted water sampling and the samples have been sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis,' she said. Jamaliah said Luas has also opened an investigation paper against the facility under Section 79(4) of Luas Enactment 1999 for polluting a water source.
