Smell Something Burning In The Air? That's Haze Returning To Malaysia
The haze situation is actually worsening in Perak, Sarawak, and Penang.
By Samantha Khor — 15 Aug 2018, 06:12 PM
Looks like the much-dreaded haze is making a comeback. In fact, many Malaysians have noticed the familiar burning smell that usually accompanies the arrival of haze in the past week.
Their concerns are not unwarranted, as certain areas in Klang Valley are reported to have recorded API readings up to 62 as of 5pm today, 15 August
According to the Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia (APIMS) website, Port Klang recorded the highest API in Klang Valley at 62, followed by Kuala Selangor with 53. As such, air quality in both areas is currently at Moderate level (51-100).
APIMS noted that while Moderate air quality is acceptable, some pollutants "may be a moderate health concern" for those who are especially sensitive to air pollution.
Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya and Cheras recorded API readings of 39 and 40 respectively, signifying a Good level (0-50) of air quality in both areas. It is a marked improvement for Petaling Jaya, which recorded a reading of 52 on Monday, 14 August.
While the air quality may have improved in Klang Valley, the haze situation seems to have worsened in Perak and Sarawak, as both states recorded API readings as high as 83 and 72 respectively as of 9am today
Taiping, Perak recorded a pretty high API reading of 83, followed by Pegoh Ipoh (78), Seri Manjung (73), and Tasek Ipoh (70).
Meanwhile, it is believed that some areas in Sarawak has been polluted by cross border haze from West Kalimantan, where more than 400 hotspots have been detected since 14 August.
Mukah recorded the highest API reading in Sarawak at 75, followed by Bintulu (70), Sibu (66), Kuching (56), and Serian (51).
Meanwhile, in Penang, residents are posting photos of the Penang Bridge and its surrounding areas being shrouded in haze this morning
Berita Harian reported that as of 9am, the Department of environment recorded a Moderate API reading of 65 in Minden, followed by Seberang Jaya and Balik Pulau at 64, and Seberang Perai at 63.
It would seem that the haze situation has worsened in Penang as well, as API readings from the day before was only as high as 54, according to Bernama.
