Haze woes in Johor and Malacca

The Star 20 Oct 10;

PETALING JAYA: The air pollutant index (API) reading for Malacca has increased from 51 to 91 in the past three days.

Muar, in Johor, recorded an “unhealthy” API reading of 162 according to the Department of Environment website, www.doe.gov.my, as of 5pm yesterday.

“Healthy” API readings are from 0 to 50, and “unhealthy” from 100 to 200. Any reading of between 201 and 300 is considered very “unhealthy.” Readings of more than 301 is “hazardous.”

According to a Malaysian Meteorological Department spokesman, the visibility in Malacca up to noon yesterday dropped to 2km and 5km.

“The haze in Malacca has reduced the visibility in the area. Our observation radar registered with the meteorology station has shown Malacca to be shrouded in haze.

“We are monitoring the situation closely,” she said.

Declining air quality has been reported in several places such as in north Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Selangor in the past few days.