JOHAN Setia is the only area to record an “unhealthy” air pollutant index (API) in the country today.

Its API, as at 7.53am, stood at 121, worse from yesterday’s 113.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 indicates good air quality, moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300) and hazardous (exceeding 301).

Open burning has been a problem in Johan Setia, Klang, over the past decade, due to its peat soil and irresponsible individuals.

Areas affected by the smoke are Bandar Puteri, Bandar Bukit Rimau, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Bandar Botanic, Bandar Parklands and Kota Kemuning.

It was reported that the Defence Ministry had started carrying out cloud seeding to counter the smoggy conditions in several parts of the country.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said two air force aircraft were sent out in Selangor and Perak for the rain-precipitating exercise.

It was also reported that Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the smoke was being exacerbated by open burning in Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia.

She said she had ordered cloud-seeding operations to be carried out in Johan Setia.

She also instructed that 10 water tanks be provided by state authorities to assist in firefighting operations. – August 18, 2018.