THE prolonged period of rain today has helped ease the haze situation in Penang, providing a sense of relief to the affected neighbourhoods.
According to data from the IQ Air website (https://www.iqair.com/malaysia/penang), the air quality index in several parts of Penang now boasts good and moderate air quality indices. Below are the readings as of this evening (17:44):-
i) Simpang Ampat – 81 (moderate)
ii) Prai – 65 (moderate)
iii) Gelugor – 54 (moderate)
iv) Balik Pulau – 33 (good)
v) Bukit Mertajam – 17 (good)
vi) Tanjong Tokong – 6 (good)
vii) George Town – 8(good)
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment (DOE) has shared a statement via its Air Pollutant Index Management System website, which includes information from the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) in Singapore on Oct 1.
According to the ASMC report, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s 20 satellite images detected 121 hotspots in Sumatra, and 122 hotspots in Kalimantan, with no hotspots detected in Malaysia.
The Regional Haze Map released by ASMC on October 1, 2023, reported that the southern ASEAN region is experiencing cloudy conditions except for the southern part of Sumatra, southern Kalimantan, Jawa, and the Lesser Sunda Islands experiencing dry conditions.
The statement further notes that the DOE has intensified enforcement and daily patrolling activities at potential open burning areas while monitoring the API readings from time to time.
The National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan have also been activated to coordinate the government agencies’ efforts to address the national haze situation and open burning incidents.
DOE advises all landowners to monitor areas that are prone to burning, such as landfills, forests, peatlands, fields, and agricultural and industrial areas, and to take measures to prevent encroachment by irresponsible parties engaging in open burning, whether intentionally or accidentally.
The public can keep track of the API readings at http://apims.doe.gov.my/ or download the MyIPU App or other trusted sources.
According to Section 29(A), Environmental Quality Act 1974, those found guilty of open burning can face fines not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 5 years, or both.
DOE also appeals to the public to put out small fires and promptly report open burning incidents or fires to the Fire and Rescue Service Department at 999 and the DOE through the toll-free number 1-800-88-2727.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by M.Vekenesvaran & courtesy of DOE