Latest news with #OpenBurningPreventionActionPlan
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Selangor parents allowed to keep kids home as haze worsens: Exco
SHAH ALAM: 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 that 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 previously affected areas, 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.
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Selangor haze alert: Parents can keep kids home as air quality drops
SHAH ALAM: Parents in Selangor may keep their children home from school as haze conditions worsen, the state government confirmed today. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairperson Jamaliah Jamaluddin said while absences will be excused, parents must inform schools. '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 received guidelines on response measures if API readings exceed 100 (unhealthy) or 200 (very unhealthy). Outdoor activities will be suspended, and schools may close if levels surpass 200. No haze-related illnesses or heatstroke cases have been reported in Selangor so far, according to the State Health Department (JKNS). API readings have improved in some areas, including Petaling Jaya (83), Klang (80), and Banting (81). However, Kuala Selangor remains unhealthy at 126. The Selangor DOE has activated its Open Burning Prevention Action Plan to curb fire risks during the dry spell. Enforcement teams are patrolling high-risk areas, and plantation owners have been instructed to tighten fire prevention measures. - Bernama
The Star
24-07-2025
- 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.
