Haze Visibility Drops to 1 KM in Penang State

USPA NEWS - Haze Visibility in Penang has dropped to 1km even though the Air Pollutant Index (API) in the island recorded moderate levels. The Muar and Ledang districts in Johor are now under a “haze emergency“ after the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings surged over 700 in these areas.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the emergency status would remain until further notice. “However, it must be clarified that this does not involve a curfew and there will not be any change to the existing system of the ruling state and federal governments. “All related ministries and agencies at the federal, state and district levels must plan and take action to ensure the safety and health of the public,“ the Prime Minister said yesterday. He urged the people to abide by the emergency guidelines issued by the National Security Council (NSC).

Under the guidelines, aimed at ensuring public safety and health, federal, state and district level natural disaster, management committees must advise the closure of schools and childcare centres, government and private sector offices and other work premises, including factories, plantations, construction sites, quarries and earthwork sites. However, services related to water, electricity, public health, safety, radio and telecommunication, transport and finances are exempt. But even as the haze takes its toll on the country, there are still thoughtless Malaysians who compound the problem by continuing with open burning.

According to the Meteorological Department, visibility in Bayan Lepas was at 5km at 9.30pm and as at 1pm, it has dropped to 4km. A check on the DOE website showed API readings at Universiti Sains Malaysia on the island had increased from 70 (7am) to 71 (11am). Other stations on the mainland in Seberang Jaya 2 and Prai remained the same at 79 and 72 respectively. In the northern part of peninsula, API reading Bakar Arang in Sungai Petani, Kedah also surged from 75 to 77 and also increased in Alor Star from 63 to 64 as at 11am. The reading in Kangar, Perlis remained at moderate level of 63 at 11am.