PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- An unhealthy air quality reading was recorded at the station in Sri Aman, Sarawak today due to open burning at a nearby agricultural area, said Environment director-general Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar.
He said the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading on the Air Pollutant Index Management System Malaysia (APIMS) website at 9 am showed that 55 areas in the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak recorded moderate air quality levels.
“A total of 12 areas recorded good air quality levels,” he said in a statement today.
An API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy; and over 301, hazardous.
According to the report by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre yesterday, Wan Abdul Latiff said six hotspots were detected in the country, namely two in Pahang, one in Perak and three in Sarawak.
The hotspots were detected through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 20 satellite images.
“In addition, 97 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and 70 in Sumatera, Indonesia,” he said.
He advised residents near areas with API exceeding 150 to cut down on outdoor activities and, if necessary, to wear face masks.
Meanwhile, Wan Abdul Latiff said the southwest monsoon, which began on May 14, is expected to last until mid-September.
“Most places nationwide will experience more days without rain,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
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