Lee Yen Mun The Star 10 May 11;
PETALING JAYA: Satellite images recorded 136 hotspots in Sumatra yesterday, indicating a cloud of haze that may affect neighbouring countries soon.
Malaysian Meteorological Department data revealed that as of 5pm, three other hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, two more in Sarawak and one each in the peninsula and Sabah.
A department officer explained that these hotspots were open burnings occurring in real-time.
He, however, could not comment if the hotspots were the cause of the sweltering heat in the country.
The temperature remained at almost the same high level over the past three days.
the highest recorded in Subang and Petaling Jaya topped 35C yesterday and 36C over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Air Pollutant Index (API) retrieved from the Department of Environment's website showed that the air quality in various locations of the country remained excellent.
Its data, updated at 11am yesterday, revealed that 61% of Malaysia enjoyed good air quality while the rest of the country had moderate air quality.
The lowest API was recorded in Miri, Sarawak (19) and the highest at Shah Alam, Selangor (60).
An area's air quality reaches an unhealthy level when its API hits 101, a very unhealthy level at 201 and hazardous when it exceeds 301.
Haze over parts of Klang Valley
New Straits Times 10 May 11;
SHAH ALAM: Hazy weather continued in parts of the Klang Valley as the number of hotspots in the country and neighbouring Sumatera rose from zero to 162 within four days.
Meteorological Department figures show that there are only six hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia while the rests are in Sumatra.
The Air Pollutant Index for Shah Alam rose to an unhealthy level at 5pm yesterday, recording an API reading of 105. The API reading for Banting stood at 90.
Department of Environment director-general Datuk Rosnani Ibarahim advised people to stop open burning, which could worsen air quality.
"Now the weather is hot and dry. It is a common phenomenon during April every year," she said yesterday.
Observations along the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite) and Shah Alam showed hazy conditions enveloping the area, with many residents taking precautions such as staying indoors.
Many parks and playgrounds saw a drastic drop in the number of people coming there due to the hazy and hot weather.
Selangor DOE director Datin Paduka Che Asmah Ibrahim said its staff and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage were monitoring fire-prone areas, especially peat swamps.
She said areas along the Elite Highway, Jalan Johan Setia and in Banting and Kuala Selangor were being monitored for fires.
"Although the air quality remains at moderate levels, those with respiratory problems are advised to minimise outdoor activities and exposure to outside air."
