AMIN MOKHTAR New Straits Times 30 Aug 16;
KUALA LUMPUR: The haze situation in Malaysia today is showing a slight improvement, with two areas recording unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) readings, according to information released by the Department of Environment (DOE).
As of 11am, Nilai continues to record the unhealthiest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 112, followed closely by Shah Alam (103).
On the other hand, Banting and Putrajaya, which earlier recorded unhealthy API readings, have moved to moderate levels.
Two hours earlier, Nilai's API reading was at 118, followed by Banting (101), Shah Alam (105) and Putrajaya (102).
The API readings, which were hourly updated by the DOE, showed moderate readings elsewhere around the nation, with most of the states still registering manageable API numbers.
The reading of 0 to 50 is categorised as good (blue), 51 to 100 is moderate (green), 101 to 200 is unhealthy (yellow), 201 to 300 is very unhealthy (orange) and 300 upwards is considered dangerous (red).
For more updates, public can logon to the DOE’s website at http://apims.doe.gov.my.
Air quality improves after downpour in Klang Valley
P. DIVAKARAN The Star 30 Aug 16;
PETALING JAYA: The Air Pollutant Index (API) levels in several areas in the Klang Valley have improved following a downpour on Tuesday morning.
As of 11am, the API readings in Cheras (92), Batu Muda (95), Putrajaya and Banting (99) recorded moderate levels.
The API readings in two areas, namely Nilai (112) and Shah Alam (103), remain at unhealthy levels.
But this marks a slight improvement in air quality where at 8am, four areas Nilai (120), Banting (102), Putrajaya (103), and Shah Alam (105) had reached unhealthy levels.
Earlier, downpours in several areas in the Klang Valley, which lasted more than two hours, had caused massive traffic delays, resulting in flash floods in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
According to the Department of Environment website, an API reading of below 50 is considered good, between 51-100 moderate, a reading of 101-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy and more than 300 is considered hazardous.
