Haze In Malaysia's West Coast Caused By Fires In Central Sumatra

Bernama 23 Jun 14;

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The haze, which is affecting several areas of the west coast in the peninsular, including the national capital, is caused by burning activities in Central Sumatra, Indonesia and the southern-westerly that brought it to the country.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G.Palanivel said according to the Singapore-based Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), moderate haze was detected from the burning area in the Riau region last Saturday.

"ASMC reported there are 88 hotspots detected through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite imagery in Sumatra on June 21," he said in a statement here today.

The satellite imagery also detected 17 hotspots in the country, including Pahang and Terengganu (one each), Sabah (five) and Sarawak (10).

Palanivel said the Department of Environment (DOE) constantly monitored open burning while DOE officers were empowered to arrest environmental criminals under section 37 C of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2012.

Meanwhile the DOE portal revealed that 30 areas recorded a moderate air pollutant index (API) nationwide.

-- BERNAMA

Dry season triggers start of nationwide monitoring plan
RAHIMY RAHIM The Star 24 Jun 14;

PETALING JAYA: The Open Burning Prevention Plan has been activated nationwide for the authorities to monitor air pollution because of the current dry season, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

He said that the change in the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings to the unhealthy level was due to the haze, which normally occurred during the south-west monsoon season, with the hot and dry weather expected to persist until this September.

“Several measures have been taken due to the hot weather and El Nino, including monitoring and enforcement activities, especially areas identified as hot spots.

“Court action can be taken for open burning cases at construction, industrial and farm areas,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page yesterday.

It was reported that unhealthy levels of air pollution were recorded in Port Klang, while other areas in the country recorded moderate and good readings.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and 301 and above hazardous.

Palanivel said aerial surveillance was also being conducted to prevent any form of burning, especially in areas prone to burning and high-risk rural areas.

The Department of Environment (DoE) also recorded a total of 3,854 cases of open burning, involving 825 cases in forest, agricultural areas (1,225 cases), industrial areas (31 cases), construction areas (117 cases), land fill areas (66 cases), bush areas (905 cases) and other small open fires (685 cases) as at June 10.

“A total of 256 cases of open burning have been issued compounds while 86 cases have been given warning orders. 43 investigation papers have also been opened for prosecution in courts,” he said.

Haze: Unhealthy air in Seremban, Port Dickson
VICTORIA BROWN The Star 23 Jun 14;

PETALING JAYA: Port Dickson and Seremban moved into the unhealthy air category based on the air pollutant index (API) reading at 5pm Monday. Port Dickson registered an API of 101 and Seremban 107.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and 301 and above (hazardous).

Areas showing API readings close to unhealthy levels are Banting (96), Balok Baru in Kuantan (97), Bukit Rambai in Melaka (90), and Bandaraya Melaka (90).

However, Cheras' API reading which rose up to 105 at 2pm improved to moderate (73) at 5pm.

Other areas with moderate to unhealthy air are Kuala Selangor (75), Port Klang (77), Petaling Jaya (77), Shah Alam (76), Batu Muda (74), Putrajaya (75).

The API reading could change due to shifting wind conditions. The Department of Environment issues hourly API reading on its website.

The API is calculated based on five major air pollutants, namely Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ground Level Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and particulate matter with a diameter below 10 micrometers (PM10).

Haze: Several west coast areas close to unhealthy
The Star 23 Jun 14;

PETALING JAYA: The haze looks to be back if the air in Cheras is any indication. The air pollutant index (API) in Cheras showed the district has moved into the unhealthy zone of 105 at 2pm Monday.

Other areas on the west coast with API close to unhealthy levels are Port Dickson (89) and Banting (92). Balok Baru in Kuantan recorded an API of 98.

The air in Malacca is also close to unhealthy with the city centre and Bukit Rambai recording API of above 85.

Areas showing worsening API are Kuala Selangor (80), Port Klang (80), Petaling Jaya (78), Shah Alam (77), Batu Muda (78), Putrajaya (70).

The API reading could change due to shifting wind conditions. The Department of Environment issues hourly API reading on its website.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and 301 and above (hazardous).


The API is calculated based on five major air pollutants, namely Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ground Level Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and particulate matter with a diameter below 10 micrometers (PM10).