Haze continues in Singapore with PSI of 57

Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia 1 Oct 09;

SINGAPORE: Singapore continued to be affected by haze on Thursday.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) at 4pm stood at 57, which was within the moderate range but slightly higher than Wednesday's level of 53.

The NEA said the air quality is expected to remain within the moderate range (PSI 51 - 100) until at least Friday.

- CNA/ir

Heavy rain clears haze in Sarawak
The Star 2 Oct 09;

KUCHING: An unexpected mid-morning downpour helped to clear the haze that enveloped the state capital in the morning.

A Meteorological Department weatherman said the 10am rain that lasted for nearly an hour, was in most of the western part of the state including Sibu.

He said most parts of Sarawak experienced extremely hot weather, which hit 37°C on Wednesday with the air quality in several divisions being at unhealthy level.

The haze was caused mainly by over 300 hotspots in neighbouring Kalimantan.

Bernama reported the Air Pollutant Index (API) for Bintulu and Samarahan being 105 and 101 respectively at 11am yesterday.

The Department of Environment in its website said 35 areas had good readings, including Putrajaya (21), Shah Alam (24), Petaling Jaya (26), Alor Setar (25), Jerantut (26) and Kangar (27).

Twelve areas with moderate readings are Kota Tinggi (57), Larkin Lama (55), Muar (51) dan Pasir Gudang di Johor (65), Balok Baru, Kuantan, Pahang (52), Kapit (66), Kuching (96), Miri (94), Sarikei (86), Sibu (90) Seri Aman in Sarawak (87) and Labuan (65).