Yet again, consumer rights groups are demanding that the authorities come clean over air quality readings, repeating a plea that has fallen on deaf ears during every episode of haze over the last few years.

Amidst the current deterioration of air quality, described yesterday only as 'unhealthy', a Department of Environment (DOE) official again said the numerical readings of the Air Pollutant Index (API) would not be publicised in order not to " confuse " the public.

The DOE currently defines air quality along five broad categories: 'good', 'moderate', 'unhealthy', 'very unhealthy' and 'hazardous', as opposed to precise API figures.

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'.

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) deputy president Mohd Shaani Abdullah today lambasted the authorities for failing to publicise the API readings.

"Why aren't the API readings being released to the public? What's so secretive (about this)? The public want to know. Without issuing the figures, the authorities are misleading tourists... this is irresponsible," he said.

Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) chief Jacob George said the government's inaction in providing updated information is causing needless distress to citizens.

Cassa, he said, is currently conducting a survey among Kelana Jaya residents in Selangor. Initial feedback indicates that respondents are generally "astonished" and disappointed over the lack of information about the haze.

He also said that, despite previous episodes of haze, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry had failed to issue an immediate alert this time around.

"Ever since Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over the helm, there has been talk about the need for greater transparency (in administrative dealings). If there is no transparency over such a small matter, what can we expect from the government (over other matters)?" he asked.

Silence 'disappointing'

Consumer Association Penang (CAP) chairperson Mohd Idris expressed disappointment over the government's silence over the haze issue.

"In previous years, there was talk by the authorities on measures to solve the problem. Things have not improved, and this time around there is no mention of any solution.

"Do we take it that Malaysians have to just accept the situation and live with it?" he asked in a statement.

He added that many in Malaysia, especially young children, are hospitalised for acute respiratory infections, and that about 12 percent of the population suffers from asthma. The haze could worsen their health.

Under the Asean Haze Agreement signed in 2002, a regional haze monitoring and prevention mechanism was created, reinforced by earlier measures such as an early warning system that links the meteorological departments of member-states.