GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has urged residents to take precautions over the developing haze situation as the state recorded an average of 100 in its air pollutant index (API) readings today.
State Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the state has directed the Environment Department (DoE) to monitor the situation closely after the API reached unhealthy levels in some localities, including Seberang Jaya at around 10am today.
Phee told The Vibes that if the API reaches unhealthy levels of between 101 and 200, the state encourages the schools here to cancel outdoor activities.
Phee says that Penang will discuss with the Education Ministry the possibility of closing down schools as a precaution if the air quality remains at unhealthy levels.
There are about 5,000 public and private schools in Penang.
He said that the authorities here believe the haze or smog was blown over from spots in neighbouring Indonesia.
“We have asked the DoE to check if the hotspots are mostly in Indonesia. If yes, we hope that the federal government can contact its Indonesian counterpart to do something.”
The authorities are now mapping out potential major local hotspots, Phee said in an interview.
This is the first major haze in Penang this year, believed to be the first one after almost three years following the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Phee also said that Penang has banned open burning with immediate effect and offenders will be penalised by the local authorities and DoE.
He also encouraged residents here to first drink warm water instead of cold water, as the haze takes place amid a heat wave in Penang.
“We should also take baths slowly by first wetting our hands and feet. This is to help us from contracting heat strokes due to the high humidity levels.”
Phee also urged residents here to stay hydrated all the time to combat the ill effects of the heat wave and air pollution.
An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous. – The Vibes, April 17, 2023
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