New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;
KUALA LUMPUR: The much-dreaded haze began creeping across the country today, with several states recording unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) readings as of 6pm.
A check with the Department of Environment's website revealed that Alor Star recorded the highest reading of 145, followed by Kangar at 137 and Mukah, Sarawak at 134.
In the Klang Valley, Klang registered a reading of 110.
A slew of other areas nationwide recorded moderate readings. They were led by Sungai Petani 99, followed by Seberang Jaya (96), Sibu (94), and the Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park and Seberang Perai (both at 91).
The day’s highest reading was registered by Kangar at 11am (160).
The API categorises a reading of between 0-50 as ‘good’, 51-100 as ‘moderate’, 101-200 as ‘unhealthy’, 201-300 as ‘very unhealthy’, and 300 and above as ‘hazardous’.
Eight places in four states record unhealthy API levels
razak ahmad The Star 17 Aug 18;
PETALING JAYA: The number of towns and cities with unhealthy air quality has gone up as the haze worsens.
At 6pm yesterday, eight locations in Penang, Perlis, Kedah and Sarawak recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of more than 100.
They were led by Kangar with an API of 141, followed by Alor Setar (140), Mukah (139) and Seberang Jaya (117).
Sibu had an API of 112, while Sungai Petani and Seberang Perai both recorded an API of 107.
Air quality is classified as good when the API is 50 and below, and moderate when the API reading is between 51 and 100.
An API of between 101 and 200 means the air quality is considered unhealthy.
A reading of 201-300 means that the air quality is very unhealthy, and an API of more than 300 is hazardous.
Temperatures in several parts of the country have been rising due to the current southwest monsoon, which started in the third week of May.
The hot and dry weather during this time contributes to the spread of forest fires and open burning, which causes the haze.
Meteorological Department ordered to be at the ready to carry out cloud seeding
FALIQ LAJIM New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;
SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Meterological Department has been ordered to be ready to carry out cloud seeding if the haze situation in the country reaches a critical stage.
Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin said her ministry would activate the process for cloud seeding to ensure that air quality returns to normal.
“We will refer to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to get the agency to inform the Defence Ministry to carry out cloud seeding. The haze affecting the country right now is due to open burning in Sumatera and Kalimantan.
“So, we will be ready to carry out cloud seeding, but this will also have to depend on the weather,” she said after visiting the site of a peat fire in Kampung Johan Setia, here, adding that the peat fire was also contributing to haze in nearby areas.
Present were Department of Environment director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Kamarulnajuib Che Ibrahim; Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Azmi Osman; and Sungai Kandis assemblyman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni.
Yeo said the Air Pollution Index (API) being used in the Air Pollution Index Malaysia (APIMS) website was now based on the 2.5 micrometre Particulate Matter (PM2.5) reading.
“This is a more accurate reading (of air quality) compared to PM10 which was used before this,” she said.
Yeo advised the public, and especially school authorities, to constantly keep track of API readings via the APIMS website.
“Information about the API readings for the entire country can be gotten from the apims.doe.gov.my website or via the MyIPU mobile application which is available on Google Playstore and Apple App Store,” she said.
Penangites told to stop open burning activities as haze returns
Audrey Dermawan New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;
GEOGE TOWN: The Penang government has advised the people against engaging in open burning activities in light of the worsening haze situation in the state.
As of 3pm today, the air pollutant index (API) readings on the island recorded a moderate level of 96 in Minden and 93 in Balik Pulau.
However, the API readings on the mainland showed an unhealthy level with 120 in Seberang Jaya and 109 in Prai.
An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, hazardous
State Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh also advised the people to keep watch on their lands and to prevent from open burning activities. He warned that stern action could be taken against the perpetrators.
“With the API reading reaching the unhealthy level, we hope the people can refrain from open burning activities to further aggravate the situation.
“Failing which, action can be taken under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Those found guilty can be fined a maximum of RM500,000 or maximum five years’ jail or both, upon conviction.
“A maximum RM2,000 compound can also be slapped for each of the offence,” he said.
Phee said the haze in Penang was a result of the cross-border haze pollution from Kalimantan and Sumatera in Indonesia, no thanks to the southwest monsoon wind.
Meanwhile, Phee also advised the people to reduce outdoor activities and to don face masks if they are outside.
“We have prepared 20,000 masks to be distributed to the people. We also advise the people to consume more liquid during this hot spell,” he added.
Drones to monitor open burning nationwide
NUR IZZATI MOHAMAD New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;
BATU KAWAN: The Fire and Rescue Department will use drones to monitor open burning hotspots throughout the country to tackle the annual haze problem that made a return since early this week.
Its director-general Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said the drones would be used in selected areas to make it easier for firefighters to provide information on open burning to the relevant authorities, particularly the Department of Environment (DOE).
He said both departments had previously carried out checks using helicopters, but with the use of the latest technology, it would provide more options of monitoring methods for both agencies.
“We believe that the DOE also has their own drones to monitor the situation. As a rescue agency, we will continue to furnish the relevant information and be prepared at all times to face any eventualities such as open burning which can further aggravate the haze situation.
“This is an annual occurrence, especially when there is open burning in our neighbouring country.
“However, to minimise the impact, we have to play our part in tackling the open burning activities (here), particularly in peatland forests because whenever there is a fire in peatland forests, we face great challenges in putting it out,” he said in his official working visit to the state Fire and Rescue Department headquarters here today.
During his visit, Hamdan also launched the ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang’ campaign in conjunction with the National Day celebration before a dialogue session with officers and personnel here.
Elaborating on the issue, Hamdan said each state has its own open burning hotspots.
“In Selangor, for example, the hotspots include Sepang, Batu Arang and Batang Berjuntai while in Penang, Bukit Bendera.
“For Sepang, we have to monitor the situation closely since it is a sensitive area, for aircrafts to land and take off. If haze happens at a critical level, then this can affect the navigation system at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA),” he added.
Meanwhile, Hamdan said the Fire and Rescue Department would introduce the ‘Metropolitan Fire Brigade’, similar to the one implemented in Australia, come 2025.
“Through my visits to all the state Fire and Rescue Department headquarters nationwide, (I found that) there are numerous needs to be looked into, especially the role towards society who need our services to effectively handle safety cases.
“As such, we feel that the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, based in Kuala Lumpur, is most apt in our move towards a develop nation, to ensure we give better focus to cases in major towns with high density population and more complex system,” he said.
Minimise exposure, M’sians told
The Star 17 Aug 18;
PETALING JAYA: Exposure to the haze may cause adverse health reactions with long-term effects such as increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, says the Health Ministry.
In its advisory for workplaces, the ministry said the small particles that cause haze are composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems.
Short-term adverse effects, as underlined by the ministry, include eye irritation, watery eyes and/or conjunctivitis (a type of eye inflammation), running nose, stuffy nose, sneezing and/or post-nasal drip.
Other effects include throat irritation, dry throat, sore throat and/or coughing, phlegm, headache, dizziness, fatigue and/or stress, decreased lung function, depressed respiratory immune defence, chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath and bronchitis (lung inflammation).
“However, in susceptible individuals such as diabetics or the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases, especially respiratory and heart diseases, their condition may be worsened by haze and they are likelier to experience more severe haze-related effects than healthy people,” said the ministry on its website http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/192.
One of the long-term risks associated with the exposure to fine particles is the faster rate of thickening of the arteries, promoting the development of vascular diseases.
General measures at the workplace could be taken such as minimising outdoor activities, closing all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter the workplace, as well as ensuring maintenance of air conditioners with regular cleaning and servicing.
“An air purifier or air cleaning device may be used to reduce the amount of air contaminants that may be circulating in the building,” said the advisory.
Malaysia is currently experiencing soaring temperatures, with 18 towns and cities nationwide on heatwave alert.
Haze has also made a comeback in certain parts such as in Sarawak, with hotspots and open burning being the factors.
Complaints pertaining to environmental pollution, including open burning, can be made with a call to the Environment Department at 03-8889 1972, its hotline 1-800-88-2727 or online at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my//eaduan/index.php.
