Penang: The air quality in Penang has been recorded as moderate to unhealthy, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings ranging from 60 to 107. This change follows an increase in the number of hotspots in several areas within the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo noted that reports from the Penang Department of Environment (DOE) indicate four Automatic Air Quality Monitoring Stations located in Seberang Jaya, Seberang Perai, Minden, and Balik Pulau. From August 10 to 13, Penang's air quality was categorized as moderate to unhealthy, with the DOE's Air Pollutants Index Management System (APIMS) showing an unhealthy API reading of 107 at noon at the Minden station, which later decreased to 97 by 3 pm. The monitoring trends revealed readings between 57 and 107 at the Minden and Balik Pulau stations, while Seberang Perai and Seberang Jaya recorded readings between 66 and 96.
Sundarajoo highlighted that three stations remained in the moderate category, with only one station recording unhealthy levels. The increase in regional hotspots was supported by preliminary data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), which noted 213 hotspots in Sumatra and 835 in Kalimantan between August 9 and 11, alongside several hotspots in Malaysian states. However, he cautioned that hotspots alone should not solely determine air quality levels, as meteorological factors like wind direction, speed, atmospheric conditions, and rainfall distribution also play a role.
Current DOE monitoring shows that intermittent rain has helped maintain Penang's air quality at good to moderate levels, with PM10 (fine particles) identified as the dominant pollutant, but remaining at moderate concentrations. Sundarajoo urged the public to obtain API information from the official DOE APIMS system and not rely on unofficial or unverified sources, advising against open burning activities and recommending reporting any such activities to authorities.
He warned that if air quality worsens, the public should reduce outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues. Additionally, he advised reducing time spent outdoors, closing windows, and wearing face masks if necessary.
The Penang State Education Department (JPNPP) director, Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, stated that an engagement session with school principals and headmasters would be held to discuss actions based on the Ministry of Education's (MOE) circular, which provides guidelines for limiting physical activities, staying hydrated, and dressing appropriately. Parents are encouraged to supply face masks and water to their children, and schools have been informed of the haze situation, which remains under control.