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[LATEST ON #HAZE] API Shoots Up Again In KL, Selangor, Perak & Terengganu

The haze from the fires in Sumatra has lowered the quality of air in Malaysia and Singapore tremendously. Do read on about the haze and the precautions you and your family should take to minimise the haze effects on your health!

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23 July: API levels shoot up in KL, Selangor, Perak and Terengganu

Pupils using masks despite a lighter haze around Malacca. Photo from The Star.

Image via imgur.com

Port Klang's API reading has gone up to 105 (unhealthy) as at 8am today as the smog moves its way northbound, affecting the capital city.

thestar.com.my

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, visibility had reduced in the Klang Valley yesterday with visibility ranging from 2.5km to 4km in different areas.

themalaysianinsider.com

22 July: The haze is back in Malaysia with unhealthy readings

22 July: The haze is back in Malaysia with unhealthy readings

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Bukit Rambai shrouded in haze on 21 July 2013.

Image via imgur.com

Jerebu kembali dengan tiga kawasan mencatat bacaan Indeks Pencemaran Udara (IPU) tidak sihat iaitu Bukit Rambai, Melaka dan Banting.

Ketiga-tiga lokasi itu menunjukkan bacaan IPU 117, 107 dan 105 pada 7 pagi hari ini.

themalaysianinsider.com

The hazy view on 22 July 2013 at the SAYS Secret Hideout rooftop in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.

Image via imgur.com

Fortunately, Meteorological Department central forecasting office director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the current wind strength was weaker compared to several weeks ago when severe haze shrouded parts of the peninsula and Singapore.

thestar.com.my

“If conditions worsen, we will look at the possibility of conducting cloud seeding again,” he said, adding that cloud seeding operations would not be successful if the weather was very dry.

thejakartapost.com

12 July: New satellite feeds for Singapore government to better predict haze

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore would tap new satellite feeds by 2015 to provide early haze alerts, but scientists said this could be easier said than done.

thestar.com.my

This may take years and may require Indonesia's co-operation. In the short term, the authorities should consider installing more advanced sensors here and modify the air pollution index to better monitor and reflect the haze's health impact.

straitstimes.com

Both satellites are operated by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa). The National Environment Agency (NEA) uses data from several satellites including Modis ones and Nanyang Technological University's X-Sat satellite.

blogspot.com

2 July: McDonalds Singapore forced to apologise for haze advertisement

The McDonald's ad used the acronym PSI, which usually stands for Pollutants Standards Index, to promote a new range of dipping sauces, giving it new meaning in the line ‘today’s Peak Sauce Index is looking deliciously high’.

Image via dailymail.co.uk

Fast-food giant McDonald’s has apologised for a recent advertisement which pokes fun at the haze of pollution which has covered Singapore.

dailymail.co.uk

The “PSI” advertisement, which spelt out "Today's Peak Sauce Index is looking deliciously high", was published in local newspapers when Singapore experienced one of its worst days of haze in history.

yahoo.com

A McDonald’s spokesman said the advertisement was ‘not intended to trivialise the current haze situation’ and that it was a one-off promotion which was designed and assigned when the haze was not as bad.

dailymail.co.uk

"We are truly sorry that it has led people to feel that way," the spokesperson said. "We share the concerns of Singaporeans and were equally surprised to see PSI levels hit record highs overnight."

yahoo.com

30 June: Ministers discuss ways to counter haze

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa (C) speaks to the press as Singaporean Foreign Minister K Shanmugam (L) and Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman (R) look on, shortly after a trilateral meeting in Brunei's capital Badar Seri Bengawan. (AFP PHOTO / Jason Gutierrez)

Image via channelnewsasia.com

Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have discussed the way forward on mitigating the risk of haze, which has affected the three countries in the past weeks.

freemalaysiatoday.com

The discussion was done in an informal trilateral meeting initiated by Malaysia on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei yesterday.

bernama.com.my

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman attended the meeting with his counterparts from Indonesia and Singapore, Dr. RM Marty M.Natalegawa and K.Shanmugam respectively.

nst.com.my

The haze clears for beautiful skies in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur on 28 June

@jzlew: Thank god & rain! I can count the number of buildings now.

Image via instagram.com

The haze clears for beautiful skies in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur on 28 June

Image via themalaysianinsider.com

@newm4n: Look Ma, no haze!

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Port Klang back to the normal on Thursday with blue skies.

Image via windows.net

As of 9am, areas in the Klang Valley such as Batu Muda, Cheras, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam had API readings of 50 and below.
Taiping was recorded to have the country's cleanest air this morning, with an API of 17.

thestar.com.my

It's all good!

Image via imgur.com

The highest reading was in Kota Tinggi, Johor, measuring 94, a far cry from the high of 746 recorded also in Johor but in Muar on June 23.

thestar.com.my

Air Pollution Index Map, 26 June 2013 (Click to view)

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3 Unhealthy areas remain: API readings as of 27 June, 7AM

Air Pollutant Index readings as of 7:00AM on 27 June 2013.

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The air quality in the country has improved significantly as at 7am today, 27 June, with most areas registered 'moderate' or 'good' Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

malaysiakini.com

The areas with unhealthy air quality are Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, which registered an API reading of 144, Bukit Rambai in Malacca (111) and Banting in Selangor (104).

malaysiakini.com

Air Pollution Index, 26 June 2013 (Click to view)

Air Pollution Index, 26 June 2013

Image via akamaihd.net

Malaysian Meteorological Department predicts increase in air quality

The Meteorological Department said in a statement today that rain forecasted to happen in Johor, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Kedah and Pahang will continue to help improve the air quality affected by haze.

freemalaysiatoday.com

The statement also said that the observed winds are expected to continue until Friday (28 June) and that rain is expected to fall this Friday on the coastal areas of Penang, Kedah and Perak in the morning.

freemalaysiatoday.com

Air Pollution Index for Puchong (Selangor), 26 June 2013

108 API in Puchong: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

Image via imgur.com

Air Pollution Index, 25 June 2013 (Click to view)

Air Pollution Index, June 25th 2013

Image via akamaihd.net

Schools reopen in certain areas and rain clears up haze

All government offices and schools in Muar and Ledang reopened Tuesday morning after the state of emergency was lifted on Tuesday morning, 25 June 2013.

asiaone.com

All schools in KL and Selangor reopened on Tuesday, 25 June 2013 while those in Klang remain closed in view of the worsening haze.

thestar.com.my

The atmosphere in Kampung Sijangkang have shown signs of rain that will reduce the haze.

blogspot.com

Air Pollution Index,24 June 2013 (Click to view)

This is today's Air Pollution Index (API) sourced from the Dept of Environment. The highest recorded was API 335 in Port Dickson at 7AM, and API 319 in Port Klang at 5pm.

Image via imgur.com

More Malaysians having asthma attacks, especially Johor and Malacca

There has been a marked increase in the number of asthma and other haze-related respiratory cases seeking treatment at the hospitals and clinics in Johor and Melaka.

fz.com

"In Malacca, cases of asthma had also increased significantly by 127%, URTI (20.7%) and conjunctivitis (63.6%)," Dr Noor Hisham announced on his Facebook page Monday.

thestar.com.my

"In Johor, there was a 38.5% increase in cases of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and asthma (122%) while conjunctivitis cases remained unchanged.

thestar.com.my

Penang visibility down to 1km

June 21: Blurry shroud: The view of George Town from the Komtar tower deck at level 65.

Image via windows.net

Penang on 24 June 2013 in the morning.

Image via petertan.com

Visibility in Penang has dropped to 1km even though the Air Pollutant Index (API) in the island recorded moderate levels.

thestar.com.my

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.

thestar.com.my

The Penang government is replenishing its stocks of face masks, especially the N95 version, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

themalaysianinsider.com

24 June: PHOTOS of the haze from Malaysians all around

Malaysians spot Ultraman in the haze.

Image via akamaihd.net

"Should clarify pics taken over the last 3 days of #haze. Top right Saturday, bottom right Sunday and left pic today." - Photo from @jpak25/Twitter.

Image via twitter.com

"The haze around INTI, Nilai. getting worse each day." - Photo from @LadyQiao/Twitter.

Image via twitter.com

"Not much different. #Haze #KL #2013 #Malaysia." - Photo from @rorofadzlie/Twitter.

Image via instagram.com

"Tgkla haze kat luar rumah aku terok giler..Haze kat kepong ni makin lama makin teruk." - Photo from @Midot_b2uty/Twitter.

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"Soo hard to breath right now and so sad can't go to outdoors activity #maladqilad #haze #kualalumpur" - Photo from @maladqilad/Twtitter.

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"#haze at Bandar Utama.." - Photo from @Saaraah9829/Twitter.

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"I wonder if the haze will get any worse!! I'm supposed to have a klcc view #KualaLumpur" - Photo from @saifyelnino/Twitter.

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Schools shut down and haze operations rooms being set up

: Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, mengumumkan semua sekolah, tabika dan tadika di daerah Port Dickson ditutup esok berikutan peningkatan Indeks Pencemaran Udara hampir mencecah 300.

bharian.com.my

sharing for the Haze phenomena now happen in malaysia.

blogspot.com

Smoky haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia has caused many parts of Johor to be heavily smogged, triggering a scare that has led to more than 200 schools in Muar and Ledang being closed.

thestar.com.my

Health Minister Dr S. Subramaniam advised that individuals experiencing eye irritation, sore throat, coughing and breathing difficulty to immediately go to the nearest clinic for treatment.

freemalaysiatoday.com

More haze operations rooms with sufficient medical equipment will be set up in all districts, especially in Johor where air conditions have worsened.

freemalaysiatoday.com

Air Pollutant Index Management System from Department of Environment

Air Pollutant Index Management System from Department of Environment.

Image via imgur.com

sharing the API statistic during Haze problem

blogspot.com

CHECK IF THE AIR IN YOUR AREA IS HEALTHY by visiting the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment website using the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

doe.gov.my

Air Pollutant Index in Malaysia reported as unhealthy

The air pollutant index (API) in Muar has spiked to 746 as of 7.00am, which is more than twice the standard hazardous levels according to the Department of Environment website on Sunday.

thestar.com.my

Sharing the API reading during Haze phenomena

blogspot.com

The Department of Environment listed 5 areas that had a high density of pollutants: Malacca city and Bukit Rambai (Malacca - API of 129), Balok Baru and Indera Mahkota (Pahang), Kemaman (Terengganu).

malaysiandigest.com

The API reading is "good" when the reading is between 0 and 50, "moderate" (51 to 100), "unhealthy" (101 to 200), "very unhealthy" (201 to 300), and "hazardous" (above 300).

malaysiandigest.com

The Air Pollutant Index level is unhealthy in the Klang Valley as of 5pm, 15 June due to several hotspots in Sumatra, Indonesia. The situation is expected to worsen with the hot and dry spell in the Riau district of Sumatra set to peak over the next 2 weeks.

themalaysianinsider.com

Warning from Prime Minister Najib Razak:

"The haze situation in Malaysia is going to worsen in the coming days with winds carrying smoke from hot spots in Sumatra. Just yesterday (17 June), Melaka reached hazardous levels."

msn.com

"Please reduce outdoor activity and drink a lot of water during this period. Health should remain a number one priority for everyone."

facebook.com

1. Drink more water

Beef up your body's immune system by drinking more water, at least 2 litres of water a day, and drinking less coffee or alcohol.

Image via tribesports.com

Tips Kesihatan Semasa Jerebu. CEGAHLAH PENYAKIT AKIBAT JEREBU. IKUTI NASIHAT BERIKUT:-

terbakor.com

Beef up your body's immune system by drinking more water, at least 2 litres of water a day, and drinking less coffee or alcohol.

facebook.com

2. Avoid wearing contact lenses

The particles and chemicals in the air can cause burning sensations, irritate the eye into tearing to clean itself and inflame the conjunctiva. Avoid wearing contact lenses; use preservative-free lubricants every hour to remove allergens.

facebook.com

3. Protect your skin with moisturiser if you have eczema

Those with eczema may find it becoming itchy and inflamed. Using moisturiser 3-4 times a day can help protect the skin.

Image via savaronline.com

Those with eczema may find it becoming itchy and inflamed. Using moisturiser 3-4 times a day can help protect the skin.

facebook.com

4. Eat more green leafy vegetables and fruit

Eat more green leafy vegetables, fruit, oily fish (like sardines) and nuts. Consume less dairy products, sugar and red meat.

Image via canadianfamily.ca

Eat more green leafy vegetables, fruit, oily fish (like sardines) and nuts. Consume less dairy products, sugar and red meat.

thestar.com.my

5. Frequently wash hands and face when stepping indoors

Make sure you and your family washes their hands and faces as soon as they step indoors; keep indoor environment clean.

Image via popsci.com

Make sure you and your family washes their hands and faces as soon as they step indoors; keep indoor environment clean.

babycenter.com.my

6. Ensure you have adequate supply of medicine

With the nose and airways inflamed, the body is under stress and the heart pumps faster, increasing the blood pressure. If you are suffering from asthma or heart disease, make sure you have adequate supply of medicine.

Image via picdn.net

With the nose and airways inflamed, the body is under stress and the heart pumps faster, increasing the blood pressure. If you are suffering from asthma or heart disease, make sure you have adequate supply of medicine.

thestar.com.my

7. See your doctor immediately if your condition worsens

Photo for illustration purposes only. People with chronic diseases, especially serious ones such as heart and lung diseases, should stay indoors and avoid physical activity outdoors when the PSI hits about 80. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.

Image via scmp.com

People with chronic diseases, especially serious ones such as heart and lung diseases, should stay indoors and avoid physical activity outdoors when the PSI hits about 80. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.

babycenter.com.my

The blame game: Who is responsible for the haze?

The lack of rain means the pollution is not washed out of the air.

straitstimes.com

Indonesian officials say the smog is from huge tracts of peat lands around the coastal city of Dumai - located on the coast of the Strait of Malacca that faces Singapore - that have caught fire due to the early hot season.

straitstimes.com

An Indonesian ministry official, Hadi Daryanto, also attempted to shift some of the blame onto Malaysia and Singapore, saying their palm oil companies that had invested in Indonesia were also responsible.

channelnewsasia.com

It's only human nature for humans to point fingers at each other when things go wrong. In the case of the haze, who is to blame? Take some time to read on in order to understand the issue better.

says2.com

Who will solve the haze issue?

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said to resolve the haze problem, five countries - Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand - would attend the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting on Aug 20 to 21.

malaysiandigest.com

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry SAYS open burning is an offence

The ministry said those found guilty of open burning would be liable to a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. A maximum compound of RM2,000 may also be imposed for each offence.

malaysiandigest.com

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