The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Air quality worsens in several places in the Klang Valley Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:22 AM PDT THE air quality in the Klang Valley has worsened with Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded at unsafe levels in Port Klang (API 192) and Banting (API 115) over the weekend. Residents in Petaling Jaya (API 125) and Shah Alam (API 112) are facing the brunt of the Sumatera forest fires in Indonesia as they experience hazy skies and poor visibility. Visibility in Subang Jaya (API 112) was also greatly reduced early yesterday morning, with motorists driving cautiously with their lights on along the Federal Highway. A Taman Kinrara, Puchong, resident said he was disappointed that his son's school had not postponed their Sports Day despite the haze. He said it should be called off and if the situation did not improve soon, he would keep his son at home. Another resident S.K. Lim from Subang Jaya, said he bought face masks for his children, fearing that they would suffer from respiratory illness from prolonged exposure to the haze. "My seven-year-old son is suffering from sore throat and eye irritation due to the polluted air." Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Health and Environment Department director Dr Chitra Davi N. Vadivellu advised the public to stay indoors. She also urged residents to reduce the use of ceiling fans in their homes and opt for air-conditioners. "The air quality is poor and when the fan is turned on it tends to circulate more polluted air into their homes. "Air-conditioning units with filters and ionisers are better options during this period," she added. Chitra also advised the public to minimise their outdoor activities and consume at least five glasses of water daily. Children, especially those who suffer from asthma, should stay indoors. "Also use the N95 face mask that filters dust from the air. "If you have young children, keep them indoors at all times, especially when the air quality is so bad," said Chitra. On whether MBPJ would provide face masks to the Petaling Jaya residents, Chitra said there were no plans to do so as yet. |
| Postpone outdoor events if API is over 200, says NGO director Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:22 AM PDT Organisers should postpone their events if the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings are recorded above 200, said Global Environ-ment Centre (GEC) director Faizal Parish. He said this at an interview at SP Setia Bhd's Setia Eco Walkathon yesterday. Faizal said the walkathon went on as planned as the API reading was at 95 the night before the event. "If API readings are above 200, it is best not to hold outdoor activities. "Drink plenty of water and wear a face mask, especially those suffering from asthma," he said. GEC is a Malaysian non-profit organisation which has been working in haze affected Asean countries over the past 15 years to develop practical solutions to the regional haze crisis. The organisation provides technical advice to the Environmental Department, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and Forestry Department. It has set up a booth at the walkathon to increase awareness on their "Stop the Haze" campaign. GEC is conducting daily patrols at peat forests with another non-profit organisation Sahabat Hutan Gambut to check on peat fires, which are difficult to extinguish. It also has a community-based peatland fire prevention programme to promote sustainable management of peatland bio-diversity in Southeast Asia. |
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