Malaysia: Haze - Air quality improves

The Star 29 Jun 14;

PETALING JAYA: The air quality in the country has improved with API readings between 17 and 85.

As of 8am Sunday, Nilai recorded the highest reading at 85 followed by Port Klang at 84.

Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya also recorded moderate readings with API of 75 and 74 respectively.

Most areas in Sabah, Sarawak and the East Coast of peninsular recorded improved readings with Sarikei (17), SMK Tanjung Chat in Kota Baru (75) and Kuala Terengganu (73).

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: Readings show improving air quality all around
The Star 28 Jun 14;

KLANG: After a hazy few weeks in the peninsula, Malaysians have generally woken to clear skies.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said, as of 7am yesterday, 17 areas recorded good air quality while 34 others recorded moderate levels.

He cited the haze that hit several parts of the country, especially the Klang Valley, as transboundary smoke coupled with strong winds due to the west coast monsoon near Sumatra, Indonesia.

Saying that the situation was expected to last until September, he noted that the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore had on Thursday showed moderate smoke surrounding the Riau territory in Indonesia.

“ASMC also reported that there are 37 hotspots in Sumatra and the wind direction shows that the smoke will be channelled to the west coast of the peninsula,” he said.

In a statement yesterday, he said the Department of Environment (DOE) director had on Tuesday written to the Environment Ministry in Indonesia, expressing Malaysians’ concern over the issue.

On the ministry’s effort to curb the situation locally, Palanivel said the Open Fire Prevention Action plan had been activated since February.

“Apart from increasing awareness campaigns, this plan includes prosecuting those caught for open burning and monitoring fire-prone areas,” he said.

As of Thursday, the DOE had recorded 3,973 cases related to open burning in the country. Of these, 276 cases had been compounded while warning notices were issued to 87 of them.

Selangor executive councillor in charge of environment, Elizabeth Wong, said the state is prepared for the worst-case scenario.

“Compared to the past, this time we have gone down to the district level to activate the District Disaster Committees to coordinate the multi-agency logistical assistance to the Fire and Rescue Department,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Seberang Jaya 2 in Perai, Penang, recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) reading of 101 as at noon yesterday.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality; 51-100, moderate; 101-200, unhealthy; 201-300, very unhealthy; and over 300, hazardous.

The public can call the Fire and Rescue Department at 999 or the DOE at its toll-free line, 1-800-88-2727, to report fire in large areas. For further updates, go to www.doe.gov.my.

23 areas record moderate air quality as of 9am
The Star 28 Jun 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 23 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded moderate air quality as of 9am, according to the Department of Environment (DOE) portal.

They include Port Klang and Petaling Jaya (79); Bakar Arang (Sungai Petani), Nilai, Seberang Jaya 2 (Perai) and Banting (75); Shah Alam (74); Batu Muda (Kuala Lumpur)(73); and Kuala Selangor (70).

The others were Alor Setar (61), Perai (67); Cheras (64); Seremban, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Penang), SK Jalan Pegoh (Ipoh)(62); Bukit Rambai and Putrajaya (63).

Other areas nationwide recorded good Air Pollutant Index (API) reading.

An API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy and over 301, hazardous.

Members of the public can refer to the DOE portal at http://www.doe.gov.my to find out the current API reading. - Bernama

Penangites enjoy rain, brief reprieve from haze
MELISSA DARLYNE CHOW New Straits Times 27 Jun 14;

GEORGE TOWN: Penangites experienced a brief moment of reprieve from the haze, with scattered showers throughout the state this afternoon.

The rain brought a momentary coolness to the atmosphere, which had been hot and humid previously.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading for the Seberang Jaya 2 station on the mainland had been hovering close to unhealthy levels at 98 as early as 6am today.

The reading at the station gradually increased and crossed into the unhealthy territory of 101 at 10am, only dropping a notch at 3pm today.

The levels registered at the Perai and USM stations, on the other hand, remained in the mid-80s, with the current readings at 84 as at 3pm.