The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Posted: 25 Jun 2013 04:30 AM PDT Klang Valley residents are limiting their outdoor activities as the Air Pollutant Index remains unhealthy in many areas. The DOE is on high alert while face masks in several pharmacies are reportedly sold out. THE Department of Environ-ment (DOE) is on high alert as the quality air in parts of the Klang Valley worsened yesterday. It said the Air Pollutant Index (API) had exceeded the 100 mark in some areas. At 11am yesterday, the API was recorded at 288 in Port Klang, making it the highest reading in the Klang Valley. It is considered a very unhealthy level. Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded a reading of 198, Petaling Jaya (193), Banting (180), Shah Alam (162), Cheras (160) and Putrajaya (152), all in the unhealthy category. A reading of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and 300 and above as hazardous. In a statement, DOE director-general Datuk Halimah Hassan said among the steps taken to reduce air pollution was completely banning open burning in four areas — Terengganu, Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur. "DOE officers are monitoring the situation and will nab those who carry out open burning. "I hope the public will also help by calling us about open burning activities," she said. "The public should also take safety measures in view of the situation, like drinking plenty of water and wearing a mask at all times. If possible, stay indoors," said Halimah. Those caught for open burning can be punished under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which carries a RM500,000 maximum fine or five years' jail, or both. Local councils are also taking precautionary measures in view of the haze. Selayang Municipal Council public relations director Mohd Zin Masoad said all their 300 general workers and enforcement staff were given face masks yesterday. "Our enforcement officers are also monitoring dumpsites to ensure no open burning is carried out. "We have also advised contractors to stop earthworks temporarily, until the air quality improves,'' he said. As for Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), its corporate affairs deputy director Shahrin Ahmad said their emergency response team was on alert against open burning activities. "We are also working with the Fire and Rescue Department on this,'' he said. Those with information on such activities can call the MBSA hotline at 03-5510 5811, the Fire and Rescue Department or DOE at its toll free line 1-800-882-727. |
| More calling in sick due to worsening haze Posted: 25 Jun 2013 04:00 AM PDT WHILE the haze is more dangerous for young children, their parents have not been spared with many feeling ill after breathing in polluted air. Abdul Raof Radif, 36, said he was unsure if his health could hold up if the haze worsens. "Both my children, ages eight and 11, and my father, who is 65, are down with sore throat and runny nose. "I cannot afford to fall sick or else there would be no one to take care of them," he said. A check at a pharmacy in Port Klang showed that face masks were selling like hot cakes. Apart from face masks, a pharmacist said medication to treat runny nose and sore throat were also in demand. "Over-the-counter medication is selling fast but we are restocking. So customers can be assured that we will not run out," she said. On Saturday, non-governmental organisation Stop Air Pollution (SAPO) staged a peaceful demonstration urging the Malaysian and Indonesian governments to do something about the open burning in Sumatra immediately. Its Klang branch chairman B. K. Tan said more than 50 people in the area had fallen sick after the air quality dropped. "This is not the first time the haze is affecting us. The governments must find a long-term solution so that the health of our people will not be affected" he said. Warehouse supervisor V. Navin Kumar said he has to put a mask on every time he steps out of his office in Port Klang. "The air condition is very bad. I was down with sore throat three days ago and I have not recovered completely," he said. His colleague Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah, who also complained of sore throat and eye irritation, said he hoped the hazy days would come to an end soon. "I cannot take it any more. Breathing is difficult," he added. Selangor Environment Depart-ment director Siti Zaleha Ibrahim meanwhile, said air quality was expected to improve in the next few days. She also said the department would take stern action against those carrying out open burning. |
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