Latest news with #MyJASEQMS
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
DOE intensifies patrols, drone surveillance to fight open burning and haze
KUALA LUMPUR: As a proactive measure, the Department of Environment (DOE) has intensified ground patrols and physical monitoring in fire-prone areas, particularly agricultural lands, peatlands, bush areas, abandoned plantations and landfills identified as high-risk. DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department has been conducting patrols and enforcement operations to prevent open burning, which contributes to haze, especially during the current hot and dry spell. "Since July 8, 2025, the delegation of authority to various enforcement agencies has come into effect. This strategic initiative is aimed at strengthening enforcement actions on the ground, particularly in addressing the issue of open burning, which contributes to haze situations. "This delegation of authority allows swift, integrated and more comprehensive actions to be implemented quickly by the relevant agencies," he said in a statement yesterday. As of July 21, 2025, the DOE had conducted 4,121 ground patrols and 640 drone surveillance operations. Enforcement actions included 58 directives, 27 court proceedings and 59 compounds issued against parties found to have committed open burning offences this year. Wan Abdul Latiff said that for improved preparedness and coordination, the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan were activated on Feb 26 to streamline agency responses nationwide. "In addition, joint patrols and monitoring efforts are also being conducted with strategic partner agencies such as the Civil Defence Force (CDF) and other enforcement agencies at the state and district levels," he said. He urged the public not to engage in any form of open burning, particularly for agricultural purposes such as land clearing, waste disposal or use of abandoned land. "Stern action will be taken against individuals or parties found to be in violation of Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Offenders convicted of open burning can be fined up to RM1 million or imprisoned for up to five years, or both. "In addition, a compound of up to 50 per cent of the maximum fine may be imposed for each offence," he said. "At the same time, all operators of industries such as quarries, palm oil mills, premix plants and other industrial sectors are required to ensure their air pollution control systems are functioning properly. Emissions from chimneys must be constantly monitored and controlled to prevent air pollution that could affect public health," he said. He added that the DOE remained committed to enhancing monitoring and enforcement efforts, while collaborating with stakeholders to maintain national air quality standards. "Members of the public who witness or suspect open burning incidents can channel information to the DOE via the toll-free hotline 1-800-88-2727, e-mail aduan@ or through the official MyJAS EQMS mobile app," he said.– BERNAMA
The Sun
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Unhealthy air quality in 4 Malaysian locations as of 10am
KUALA LUMPUR: Four locations in Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 10am today, according to the Department of Environment's (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal. The affected areas include Seremban, Negeri Sembilan with an API of 155, Nilai (154), Johan Setia in Selangor (151), and Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang (140). Under the DOE classification, API levels between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy, particularly for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The API is updated hourly based on data from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. Real-time updates can be accessed via the DOE website at or through the MyJAS EQMS mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store. The Ministry of Health has issued health guidelines and preventive measures for haze episodes, accessible at Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated. - Bernama
The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Haze: Four areas with unhealthy air quality as of 10am July 22
KUALA LUMPUR: Four locations recorded unhealthy air pollutant ondex (API) readings as of 10am Tuesday (July 22), according to the Environment Department's (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims) portal. The affected areas are Seremban, Negeri Sembilan with an API of 155, Nilai (154), Johan Setia in Selangor (151), and Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang (140). Under DOE classification, API levels between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses. The API is updated hourly based on data from 68 air quality monitoring stations across the country. The public may access real-time information via the DOE website or through the MyJAS EQMS mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store. The Health Ministry has also issued health guidelines and preventive measures during haze episodes, which are available on its website. – Bernama
The Star
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Haze in your area? Here's how to check the Air Pollution Index on your phone
The app provides hourly updates on air quality measured at various monitoring stations set up across the country. — CHRISTOPHER FAM/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysians living across the country likely noticed a dip in air quality in the past few days, following reports of trans-boundary haze affecting the nation. Initial reports yesterday (July 20) noted unhealthy readings on the Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded by the Department of Environment (DOE) at five locations, including Nilai, Negri Sembilan; Alor Gajah, Melaka; Putrajaya; along with Banting and Johan Setia in Selangor. Those looking to keep an eye on the API can use the Department of Environment's (DOE) official mobile app, MyJAS EQMS , which provides access to the API Management System as well as river and marine water quality indexes. MyJAS EQMS has a dashboard displaying the most recent API readings from DOE monitoring stations and the dominant type of air pollutant. — Screenshots from app The app provides hourly updates on air quality measured at various monitoring stations set up across the country. It also displays a record of the hourly API readings from the last 24 hours. To check the air quality in their area, users can simply tap on the 'APIMS' button after launching the app, which will then open a dashboard showing the most recent readings, the nearest monitoring station, and the dominant type of air pollutant contributing to the reading. For instance, at the time of publication, the Petaling Jaya monitoring station recorded a moderate API reading of 78, with 'PM2.5' identified as the dominant pollutant. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter, which is small enough to be easily inhaled into the lungs. The DOE categorises API readings of 101 and above as unhealthy, while readings over 200 are considered very unhealthy. A colour-coded legend explaining the API categories and values is also available in the app. MyJAS EQMS further includes a map showing the most recent API readings from DOE monitoring stations nationwide, along with the option to check air quality in other regions across the country. The app is available on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The APIMS dashboard is also available on the DOE website.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Climate
- The Star
API updates to be aired twice daily on RTM from May 16
PUTRAJAYA: Air pollutant index (API) updates will be provided twice a day via RTM, in the morning and evening, from Friday (May 16). The updates are provided through a collaboration between the Environment Department (DOE) and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said on Thursday (May 15) that the collaboration was expected to not only strengthen ties between the agencies but also help the public make better-informed decisions, especially concerning health and outdoor activities. "Weather data and air quality information will be integrated more effectively, thereby improving our ability to make assessments and take appropriate action,' he said in a statement. Wan Abdul Latiff said the agencies believed the effort would not only strengthen the roles of both agencies in environmental management but also contribute to the development of a more sustainable and resilient nation centred on the people's well-being. He said API monitoring was carried out 24 hours a day by DOE officers through the National Environmental Command Centre, which served as the main facility for real-time monitoring of API readings nationwide. "This measure is part of the DOE's continuous efforts to reduce the impact of pollution on public health and to increase the country's level of preparedness in facing any air pollution incidents, including haze,' he said. The public may also refer to the official website and the MyJAS EQMS application for direct and detailed information on the API, he added. – Bernama
