Country's Air Quality Improves, 67 Areas Record Good, Moderate API -- Arthur

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The haze situation in the country has shown positive developments, with 67 areas recording air quality at 'good' or 'moderate' levels as of 9 am today, a trend expected to continue until October 31.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said of the 67, 23 areas recorded 'good' Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, while 44 areas fell into the 'moderate' category.

He noted that only one location, Samalaju, Sarawak recorded an 'unhealthy' API reading, largely due to transboundary haze.

"Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant, as dry weather in several neighbouring countries poses a persistent risk of transboundary haze. Satellite monitoring on October 26 detected no hotspots (fire sites) across Malaysia or in Sumatra," he said in a statement here today.

However, Arthur added that 166 hotspots have been detected in Kalimantan.

"Current winds are blowing from the northeast to the southeast, carrying smoke plumes from hotspots in East Kalimantan toward the northwest of Borneo -- including Sarawak resulting in moderate haze conditions in that region," he explained.

Arthur said the Department of Environment (DOE) will increase the frequency of patrols in high-risk areas to ensure that no open burning takes place, thereby keeping the air clean.

"The Ministry strongly urges the public especially residents in areas with poor air quality, such as Samalaju to take care of their health.

"Reduce outdoor recreational activities, increase your intake of plain water, and wear a face mask if you need to be outdoors," he said.

The latest air quality status can be checked via the website http://apims.doe.gov.my/, or by downloading the MyIPU app on your smartphone.

-- BERNAMA