THE moderate air pollution in Penang in recent days will not affect the state’s tourism and recreational activities from being carried out.
The scorching heat and air pollution have affected the state for the past week, resulting in humid weather with high temperatures.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee told Buletin Mutiara that recreational parks would remain open to the public.
“We did not receive any instruction from the Health Ministry, and the Youth and Sports Ministry for any further action to be taken at this time.
“However, we will be vigilant and monitor the situation from time to time, should there be any increase in the Air Pollutant Index (API).
“We hope the public will take note of the haze and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chairman Tony Goh said the haze situation would only be temporary and it would not have much impact the tourism sector.
“It only has minimal impact and it wouldn’t affect the occupancy rate of the hotels.
“Since the reopening of international borders after restrictions were relaxed, many people here opt to travel abroad for vacation,” he said, adding that the week-long holidays this month would attract tourists to Penang.
Dai Siew Chin, a fitness class instructor, said the air has relatively improved ever since a downpour yesterday.
“My classes are carried out as usual and I advise my students to take herbal tea and green bean soup to stay hydrated.
“Rest is needed to avoid heatstroke,” she said.
The API readings can be obtained at apims.doe.gov.my
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar