Kuala Terengganu Air Quality Nearing Unhealthy Levels -- Expert

KUALA NERUS, April 6 (Bernama) -- Air quality in Kuala Terengganu city today remained at a moderate level but is nearing unhealthy levels, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded readings of around 89 and temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius.

Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Besut Campus director Assoc Prof Dr Azman Azid said current monitoring indicated that hot weather conditions and slow wind movement were the main factors contributing to the increased concentration of air pollutants, particularly fine particles, especially during midday.

He advised children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory problems to reduce outdoor activities and take precautionary measures.

“The combination of high temperatures and stable atmospheric conditions can accelerate the formation of secondary pollutants, while reducing the dispersion of pollutants in the air.

“Urban areas such as Kuala Terengganu are more prone to increases in API levels even without the occurrence of large-scale haze,” he said in a statement today.

Azman also urged the public to wear face masks when outdoors and to ensure adequate water intake to mitigate the effects of air pollution and heat.

He said local authorities and relevant institutions should intensify continuous air quality monitoring efforts, including leveraging smart technology-based monitoring systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT).

“Although the situation has not yet reached a critical level overall, the current trend indicates the need for early preventive measures to avoid a more serious deterioration in air quality in the near term.

“Control measures on emissions from vehicles as well as open burning activities must be implemented and strengthened,” he added.

-- BERNAMA