Latest news with #ASMC
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Mukah records unhealthy API as Sarawak faces moderate air quality
Mukah recorded an API reading of 153, the highest in the state and the country. KUCHING (July 28): The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Mukah recorded an unhealthy level as of 3pm today, while other parts of Sarawak recorded moderate air quality, according to the Department of Environment's (DoE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). Mukah recorded an API reading of 153, the highest in the state and the country. Any API reading between 101 and 200 is categorised as unhealthy and may pose health risks to sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions. Elsewhere across the state, API readings remained within the moderate range (51–100). Kuching recorded a reading of 75, followed by Samarahan (54), Serian (58), Sri Aman (55), Sarikei (65), Kapit (51), Sibu (63), Bintulu (69), Samalaju (78), ILP Miri (67), Miri (65), and Limbang (64). The Department advises the public to reduce outdoor activities and wear face masks when necessary, especially in areas with higher API readings. The DoE's API is calculated based on the average concentrations of five major pollutants: ozone (O₃), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅). Members of the public are advised to stay updated through official platforms and take necessary precautions, especially in areas experiencing deteriorating air quality and or the latest updates, visit Meanwhile, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported a notable drop in hotspot activity across Sabah and Sarawak over the past two days. A total of 28 hotspots were detected on July 26, but only two were reported on July 27. Data for July 28 has not yet been released. The ASMC noted that isolated hotspots were still visible in parts of Borneo, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia, with slight to moderate localised smoke plumes observed from some hotspots in western Kalimantan, eastern Peninsular Malaysia, and central Sumatra. It added that cloud cover over several areas hampered full detection of hotspots and the extent of haze in the region. Looking ahead, relatively dry conditions are forecast to persist across the southern Asean region, including much of Borneo. Only isolated showers are expected over parts of central and southern Sumatra, Java, and northeastern Borneo. 'Isolated hotspots and smoke haze activities may still occur over drier areas, with a chance of transboundary haze occurrence,' the ASMC said in an update this morning. The ASMC added that the prevailing winds over the southern Asean region are expected to blow from the southeast to south, which may influence the movement of smoke haze from hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Air Pollutant Index haze lead
The Star
a day ago
- Climate
- The Star
Borneo region hotspots cause haze in Brunei
File photo shows vehicles along a hazy road. - RAFI ROSLI BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam is experiencing a hazy condition due to the predominant hotspots in the Borneo region and brought over by the southwesterly wind towards the sultanate, the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department stated yesterday (July 27). The satellite imagery from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 171 hotspots on July 24, 112 hotspots on July 25 and 105 hotspots on July 26, scattered mostly in the southern and western part of Borneo. The department forecast the amount of rainfall for July to be below the normal value. During this period the weather is expected to be hot and dry with the daily maximum temperature reaching between 34 degrees Celsius to 37°C. Hazy conditions often occur during the Southwest monsoon period. The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from air quality monitoring stations (Particulate Matter 10) in the four districts were relatively higher than normal. The air quality in Brunei was at good to moderate level. The highest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings recorded yesterday between 7am and 4pm are: Brunei-Muara registered a PSI of 30, Belait recorded 36 and Temburong had the lowest reading at 11—all falling under the 'Good' air quality category. Tutong, however, recorded a PSI of 54, placing it in the 'Moderate' air quality range. PSI reading below 50 is good while PSI between 50 and 100 is moderate. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health advised the public that at moderate PSI readings (between 50 and 100), minor health effects such as coughs, eye irritations and runny nose may occur. Persons with asthma, lung and heart diseases, pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with dust allergies are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities. Those experiencing persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms such as coughs, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing are advised to seek medical treatment at the nearest health centres. The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation will keep the public informed of the air quality. The public is advised to contact the Fire and Rescue Department at 995 for bush and forest fires. The public should also refrain from open burning activities and other actions that may worsen the haze conditions during the dry period. The public can contact the Darussalam Hotline 123 for complaints on open burning activities or for health information and advice. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Miri's air quality deteriorates, reaching unhealthy levels with API of 139
KUCHING, July 27 — Air quality at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Miri has deteriorated, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) hitting an unhealthy level of 139 as of 4.30pm today. According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), all other monitoring stations in Sarawak recorded moderate air quality, with API readings ranging from 51 to 100. Among the areas nearing the unhealthy threshold were Lundu (95), Kuching (79), Samarahan (77), Sri Aman (75), Samalaju (75), Serian (71), and Sarikei (70). Malaysia classifies an API reading between 51 and 100 as moderate while 101 to 200 as unhealthy. At 10.32am, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre's (ASMC) overnight satellite pass reported to have observed isolated to scattered hotspots in Borneo and Sumatra. Dry weather persisted across much of the southern Asean region overnight, with isolated showers reported over central and southern Sumatra and parts of central and northeastern Borneo. ASMC said slight, localised smoke plumes were seen rising from a few hotspots in western Kalimantan and central Sumatra, although full visibility of the haze and hotspot situation was hindered by cloud cover. 'The full extent of the hotspot and haze situation over the southern Asean region could not be determined due to cloud cover. 'The northern Asean region experienced wet and cloudy conditions, keeping hotspot activity low,' the Centre added. ASMC forecasts continued dry conditions over much of southern Asean in the coming days, with occasional showers expected over parts of Sumatra, Java, and central and eastern Kalimantan. 'While these showers may offer some relief, hotspots and smoke haze may still occur in drier areas, with the possibility of transboundary haze,' ASMC warned. The prevailing winds over the southern Asean region are likely to blow from the southeast to south. 'The northern Asean is forecast to remain wet, which should keep the hotspot and smoke haze situation subdued. The prevailing winds over the northern Asean region are expected to blow mainly from the southwest,' said the Centre. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Miri's air quality reading deteriorates to unhealthy level
The API for Miri has risen over the past few days, recording an unhealthy level at 139 as of 4.30pm today. Source: KUCHING (July 27): Air quality at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Miri has deteriorated, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) hitting an unhealthy level of 139 as of 4.30pm today. According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), all other monitoring stations in Sarawak recorded moderate air quality, with API readings ranging from 51 to 100. Among the areas nearing the unhealthy threshold were Lundu (95), Kuching (79), Samarahan (77), Sri Aman (75), Samalaju (75), Serian (71), and Sarikei (70). Malaysia classifies an API reading between 51 and 100 as moderate while 101 to 200 as unhealthy. At 10.32am, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre's (ASMC) overnight satellite pass reported to have observed isolated to scattered hotspots in Borneo and Sumatra. Dry weather persisted across much of the southern ASEAN region overnight, with isolated showers reported over central and southern Sumatra and parts of central and northeastern Borneo. ASMC said slight, localised smoke plumes were seen rising from a few hotspots in western Kalimantan and central Sumatra, although full visibility of the haze and hotspot situation was hindered by cloud cover. 'The full extent of the hotspot and haze situation over the southern ASEAN region could not be determined due to cloud cover. 'The northern ASEAN region experienced wet and cloudy conditions, keeping hotspot activity low,' the Centre added. ASMC forecasts continued dry conditions over much of southern ASEAN in the coming days, with occasional showers expected over parts of Sumatra, Java, and central and eastern Kalimantan. 'While these showers may offer some relief, hotspots and smoke haze may still occur in drier areas, with the possibility of transboundary haze,' ASMC warned. The prevailing winds over the southern ASEAN region are likely to blow from the southeast to south. 'The northern ASEAN is forecast to remain wet, which should keep the hotspot and smoke haze situation subdued. The prevailing winds over the northern ASEAN region are expected to blow mainly from the southwest,' said the Centre. Air Pollutant Index haze hotspot miri
The Star
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Unhealthy air quality recorded in Miri and Cheras, 60 areas nationwide at moderate levels
PETALING JAYA: Two areas in Kuala Lumpur have recorded unhealthy air quality, while 60 others nationwide are experiencing moderate levels. According to the Environment Department's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), as of 12.33pm on Sunday (July 27), Miri registered the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 131, followed by Cheras at 118. On Saturday (July 26), Johan Setia in Selangor and Kuching in Sarawak recorded unhealthy API readings of 151 and 116 respectively. However, the air quality has since improved to 83 and 79. Sixty monitoring stations across Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Sarawak, Putrajaya, Sabah, Pahang, Terengganu, Johor, Labuan, Penang, Malacca, Kedah and Kelantan reported moderate air quality. Among these, Petaling Jaya recorded the highest API at 87, while Sandakan and Kota Tinggi registered the lowest at 51. On the API scale, 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and above 300 (hazardous). Meanwhile, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported that dry conditions continue to affect the southern Asean region, raising concerns over potential trans-boundary haze, particularly from Indonesia. Dry conditions are forecast to persist over much of South-East Asia, with some showers expected in parts of Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan. Rainfall may temporarily ease the situation, hotspots and smoke haze are still likely to occur in drier areas. Prevailing winds in the southern region are expected to blow from the southeast to south, which may contribute to the spread of trans-boundary haze.
