Malaysia: API readings very unhealthy in Miri, unhealthy in Klang

The Star 10 Aug 19;

PETALING JAYA: Miri in Sarawak recorded a "very unhealthy" Air Pollutant Index (API) reading, while in Klang the air quality has been determined to be "unhealthy".

A check with the Department of Environment's API website showed that the Miri station recorded an API level of 391 as of 2pm on Saturday (Aug 10).

It had been logging a steady "very unhealthy" readings from 2am.

SK Kuala Baram 2 in Sarawak had a "unhealthy" API level of 135. It had a steady "unhealthy" API reading since 6am.

Meanwhile Johan Setia, Klang in Selangor recorded an "unhealthy" API level of 117. It has been in the "unhealthy" zone since 9pm on Friday (Aug 9).

Other places nationwide had "moderate" API levels.

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


Hotspot clusters detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra
The Star 10 Aug 19;

PETALING JAYA: Persistent hotspot clusters with smoke continue to be detected in Riau, Sumatra, and Kalimantan in Indonesia, says the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).

The ASMC said the northern Asean region is predicted to receive rainy weather over the next few days.

“In the southern Asean region, with dry conditions forecast to continue, hotspot activities can be expected to persist, ” the centre said on its website.

As at 5pm yesterday, all areas in Malaysia recorded moderate air quality with the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of between 51 and 100.

Johan Setia in Klang, Selangor, had the highest API reading in the country at 96, followed by Kuala Selangor (92) and Klang (85).

Areas with API readings of between 101 and 200 are classified as having unhealthy air, while an API reading of between 201 and 300 is categorised as very unhealthy.

An API of above 300 means that the air is hazardous.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/10/hotspot-clusters-detected-in-kalimantan--and-sumatra#OGPJx68Rx8wgzqWC.99