Latest news with #AirPollutantIndex
The Star
4 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Kuantan landfill fire under control
KUANTAN: The fire at the Jerangau-Jabor landfill in Mukim Sungai Karang here, which broke out yesterday, was brought under control at about 5.30 pm on Monday (July 21). Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station chief Zahidah Ali said monitoring efforts are still ongoing, with 12 personnel stationed at the scene on Monday night. "The affected area is now only filled with smoke, and work to cover the burning rubbish with soil will continue to prevent thick ash from escaping the rubbish heap. "The work will be carried out by the contractor until late tonight and the fire brigade will continue to monitor the location," she said in a statement. Zahidah informed that the extinguishing operation involving an area of about one hectare began after the team received an emergency call at 3.46pm on Sunday (July 20), arriving at the scene about 10 minutes later. Earlier, the Department of Environment reported that the fire at the landfill had caused unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in Balok Baru, Kuantan and Kemaman in Terengganu. – Bernama
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Barnama
Sarawak May Face Haze If Biomass Burning Outside State Intensifies
GENERAL KUCHING, July 21 (Bernama) -- Sarawak may experience haze in the coming days or weeks if biomass burning continues to intensify beyond the state's borders, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak. In a statement today, NREB said the state's ambient air quality has shown a rising trend in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings since July 19, and as of 8 am today, 15 areas recorded API readings in the moderate category, while three areas were in the good category. 'No areas have recorded API readings in the unhealthy category so far,' the statement said, adding that the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre reported four hotspots detected in Sarawak between July 14 and yesterday. However, during the same period, 114 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia, with 93 of them recorded in the last two days, on July 19 and 20. 'Given that the country is currently in the southwest monsoon phase, which began on May 10 and is expected to end in September 2025, the region will experience consistent winds from the southwest. 'This condition may lead to potential transboundary haze and deterioration of ambient air quality in Sarawak,' it said. To address the situation, NREB has activated its haze operations room, conducted field patrols, suspended the issuance of controlled burning permits, and issued notices prohibiting open burning to all project developers. It has also carried out awareness programmes on the ban of open burning with other agencies to ensure air quality is maintained. In addition, it urged all parties to take joint responsibility in addressing the causes and reducing the risk of haze. 'The public is also advised to take precautions during this hot and dry period, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities and wearing face masks (N95 respirators) when engaging in outdoor activities, especially high-risk groups,' the statement said.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Authorities warn against open burning amid rising API readings in Pahang
KUANTAN: The public is reminded not to carry out open burning to avoid further deterioration in air quality, in the wake of worsening Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at two monitoring stations in Pahang. As of 6pm, the API readings in Temerloh and Balok Baru were both recorded at 152, compared to 100 and 75, respectively, yesterday. Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman, Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff, said the current hot and dry weather could exacerbate the haze affecting the state. "Due to the hot weather, the public, especially plantation workers, must refrain from conducting open burning. In the past, there were incidents where anglers discarded cigarette butts in forested areas, sparking fires. "Peat and bush fires occur almost every year, so there are some concerns that similar incidents may happen again. Therefore, we must take all necessary precautions," he told reporters after presenting 'Inisiatif Makmur Pahang' aid at Kampung Padang Garuda here today. Fakhruddin was commenting on the deteriorating air quality reported at the two API monitoring stations in Pahang earlier today. Meanwhile, he said the Department of Environment would step up monitoring and patrols to prevent open burning, and offenders might face action under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. On the potential closure of schools, Fakhruddin said premises would be ordered to shut down if the haze situation reached a 'very unhealthy' API level. "To my knowledge, the government will issue closure instructions once the air quality reaches a critical level," he said.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan activates haze and open burning response plan
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has activated its state-level response plan under the National Haze Action Plan and National Open Burning Action Plan following directives from the Department of Environment (DOE). State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan confirmed the move after the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpassed 150 for 24 consecutive hours. 'The state government will intensify patrols and enforcement against open burning activities, especially in high-risk agricultural and industrial areas. 'We will also assess the implementation of cloud seeding technology in collaboration with federal agencies should air pollution levels continue to rise,' he said in a statement. Veerapan urged residents to report open burning via the DOE complaint hotline and support sustainability efforts. According to the DOE's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), eight areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels as of 6 pm. Alor Gajah in Melaka recorded the highest reading at 157, followed by Seremban (155), Kemaman (153), Banting (152), Temerloh (152), Balok Baru (152), Nilai (146), and Johan Setia (140). An API between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, posing risks to vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions. – Bernama
Barnama
7 hours ago
- General
- Barnama
Negeri Sembilan Activates Haze And Open Burning Response Plan
SEREMBAN, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government has activated its state-level response plan based on the National Haze Action Plan and National Open Burning Action Plan, in line with instructions from the Department of Environment (DOE). State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan said the plan was activated after the Air Pollutant Index (API) level exceeded the 150 threshold for a continuous 24-hour period. 'The state government will intensify patrols and enforcement against open burning activities, especially in high-risk agricultural and industrial areas. 'We will also assess the implementation of cloud seeding technology in collaboration with federal agencies should air pollution levels continue to rise,' he said in a statement today. He also urged the people in Negeri Sembilan to play an active role by reporting open burning activities through the DOE complaint hotline and supporting the state's efforts towards a more sustainable future. According to DOE's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, eight areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels as of 6 pm today. Alor Gajah in Melaka recorded the highest reading at 157, followed by Seremban (155), Negeri Sembilan; Kemaman (153), Terengganu; Banting, Selangor; Temerloh and Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang, each at 152; Nilai (146), Negeri Sembilan; and Johan Setia (140), Selangor. An API reading between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, which can have adverse effects on high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions. -- BERNAMA
