I am aware that so far there have been no reports about the haze conditions that have enveloped many parts of peninsular Malaysia and in special notification the Klang Valley!
I wonder what is the Air Pollutant Index and the air quality status?
I am certain that the visibility is dropping in several areas too.
I am not surprised that despite many assurance from certain of Malaysia’s neighbours, this haze is continuing to be a real scourge year in and year out despite many discussion even at Asean level.
I am aware that in June 2002, Asean governments signed an agreement to tackle the trans-boundary haze problem, promising to do all that is possible within their respective countries, to prevent the occurrence of air pollution such as that caused by forest fires.
The agreement has come into effect but there is no change in the problems we experience from this calamity!
I wonder, like all other 27 million Malaysians, just what is the Air Quality Index for today?
The Department of Environment (DOE) currently defines air quality along five broad categories: 'good', 'moderate', 'unhealthy', 'very unhealthy' and 'hazardous'.
An API index of between 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'moderate', 101 to 200 'unhealthy', 201 to 300 'very unhealthy' and above 300 'hazardous'.
I wonder what is the present index reading and how many Malaysians have been admitted to hospital or are seeking treatment for major breathing ailments since this morning?
JACOB GEORGE is president of the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa)
