Most parts of the country have recorded slight improvements in the air quality from earlier today.

As at 5pm today, Kota Tinggi and Pasir Gudang's Air Pollutant Index (API) has improved from the hazardous levels recorded this morning.

Kota Tinggi recorded an API of 226 (very unhealthy) from 314 at 11am, while Pasir Gudang - which was also recorded to be at hazardous levels - has been downgraded to ‘unhealthy’ levels with a reading of 189.

Besides Kota Tinggi, four other places which record ‘very unhealthy’ levels are Muar (273), Malacca (271), Bukit Rambai (257) and Port Dickson (205). It is noted that Muar had recorded hazardous conditions yesterday.

The haze enveloped parts of the peninsular since earlier this week.

azlan According to the Department of Environment (DOE) website, Pasir Gudang in Johor recorded the highest API of 323 as at 11am.

The air pollution level is categorised as hazardous when the reading is 301 or more; very unhealthy at 201 to 300; unhealthy at 101 to 200; moderate at 51 to 100 and good at zero to 50.

The API in some other areas were as follows: Larkin Lama, Johor (158), Port Dickson and Seremban in Negri Sembilan (205 and 119 respectively) and Banting in Selangor (145).   

The Meteorological Department said it anticipated the haze to prolong until Wednesday as the tropical storm Bebinca was expected to blow from the south-west.

Its deputy director-general, Dr Mohd Rosaidi Che Abas, said in an interview on the ‘Buletin Awani’ programme over Astro Awani that the storm would bring stronger winds and drier weather and carry the haze from Sumatra to Malaysia. 

A total of 589 schools in Johor, in the towns of Muar, Batu Pahat, Pasir Gudang and Pontian, were closed today. Schools in Muar and Batu Pahat remained closed from yesterday.

Respiratory ailments patients rise 21pct

Meanwhile, the Johor Health Department reported that the number of people with upper respiratory tract ailments had risen by 21 percent this week compared to the previous week.

It said most of these people were between the ages of 13 and 59, and the ailments included asthma and conjunctivitis.

“The number of people suffering from such ailments is expected to rise if the haze prolongs,” the department said.

It advised people in the high-risk category, such as children, the elderly and ill, to restrict their outdoor activities.

haze in penang 150805 rider Those working outdoors should wear masks and wash their face and exposed skin frequently, it said, adding that smokers should refrain from the habit.

The department advised motorists to switch on their air-conditioners with internal circulation, close all their vehicle windows and drink plenty of water.

Meanwhile, Johor Port Authority general manager Muhammad Razif Ahmad said in a statement that the operations at the Johor, Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Pelepas ports were going on as usual.

He said the authority had put in place security measures, including monitoring of the port areas, getting personnel to wear masks and adhering to safety directives from the relevant agencies.

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