FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Air quality at its worst in Johan Setia with API above 200

Air quality at its worst in Johan Setia with API above 200

Firemen in Taman Seri Andalas checking for open burning along Jalan Johan Setia.

“It will be done on Sunday (tomorrow) with help from the Royal Malaysian Air Force in Subang Jaya when we have cloud formations,” he said.

Johan Setia recorded unhealthy API readings of 243 at 6.30pm while in Klang town, a view from the rooftop of MPK showed a thicker layer of smog.

Klang Fire and Rescue Department headquarters zone chief Samsol Maarif Saibani said five firemen patrolled Johan Setia to check on burning activities.

“From Wednesday to Friday, all small farmers cooperated with the authorities to refrain from burning vegetation,” he said, adding that the smog was a transboundary issue.

Samsol also said the Fire and Rescue Department was on alert while the Klang District Disaster Management Committee has been activated to coordinate monitoring activities on the ground with other authorities, including MPK.

According to the directive, all burning activities are barred, including work at construction sites that could contribute to more airborne dust particles.

The Selangor government advised people to reduce outdoor activities and follow the development of air quality via the Department of Environment’s (DOE) website or the Mobile Air Pollutant Index (MyIPU) app that is available for download.

The public can also channel information on open burning by contacting DOE at 1-800-88-2727, DOE headquarters at 03-8871 2000or Selangor DOE Control Room at 03-5519 7233.

API readings as stated in the DOE website at 5.15pm are as follows: Klang (139), Shah Alam (143), Banting (148), Petaling Jaya (153) and Kuala Selangor (110).

The Selangor Education Department, in an earlier statement, said schools in an area with API readings of above 200 would be closed immediately until the situation improved.

On Thursday, state deputy education director Muhamad Radzi Abdullah said the closure of 29 schools in Klang and Kuala Langat was due to the current API readings.

“If the API reading drops to below 200, the school will be reopened. The school administration must keep abreast of the API readings and act accordingly based on the circular,” he said.

 

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