THIS evening sees a slight improvement in air quality in a few parts of the country where API readings have edged towards the moderate category but the air situation is mainly unhealthy for most Malaysians.

As of 7pm, the areas registering moderate air quality on the air pollution index are Kuala Selangor (94), Tasek Ipoh (90) and Pegoh Ipoh (86).

New areas that recorded unhealthy readings are Kemaman in Terengganu (107), Samalaju in Sarawak (110) and Sandakan in Sabah (104).

In Sarawak, Samarahan, which earlier in the day was in the unhealthy category, has since fallen into the very unhealthy category at 202. Kuching is still at 221. 

Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu are sharing similar unhealthy air quality in the range of between 119 and 159.

Tawau in Sabah also has a unhealthy reading of 143.

Other areas on the peninsula with unhealthy air are Batu Muda (122), Cheras (118), Putrajaya (111), Petaling Jaya (121), Shah Alam (111), Klang (105),  Johan Setia (122), Banting (121), Nilai (123), Seremban (103), Port Dickson (160), Alor Gajah (145), Bandaraya Melaka (155), Bukit Rambai (150), Segamat (137), Batu Pahat (125), Kluang (126), Rompin (108), Temerloh (126), Jerantut (136), Indera Mahkota (121) and Balok Baru (115). 

Tangkak is the only spot on the peninsula with a very unhealthy reading of 203.

An API reading of 0-50 indicates good air quality; 51-100, moderate; 101-200, unhealthy; 201-300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous.

Meanwhile, the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate  Change Ministry (Mestecc) said it will focus on curbing open burning activities in Selangor to address the smog blanketing the country.

Its deputy secretary-general Dr K. Nagulendran said the ministry had issued notices to parties concerned to stop all open-burning activities.

“Those found guilty can be fined up to RM500,000 and be jailed up to five years,” he said visiting a site of open burning in Johan Setia, Klang, today.

Earlier today, Minister Yeo Bee Yin said Jakarta had the power to act against the Indonesian subsidiaries of four Malaysian companies accused of open burning that is contributing to transboundary smoke. – September 14, 2019.