KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will use two tools which can measure the particles at 2.5 micron or PM2.5 and read fine particle levels of less than 10 microns (PM10) for the Air Pollutant Index (API), in 2017.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said: “The use of the two tools are more effective and accurate to get API readings that are more comprehensive.”
He was speaking to reporters after attending a cheque-presentation ceremony from sponsors for the Prime Minister Hibiscus Award 2014/2015, here, today.
Also present was the chairman of the Prime Minister Hibiscus Award 2014/2015 organising committee, Tan Sri Mustafa Mansur.
Wan Junaidi said besides the two tools for API reading, the ministry was also proposing the use of a measuring tool for river and sea water pollution in the future.
Wan Junaidi said the ministry assured that the API reading method currently used by Malaysia met international standards.
Meanwhile, Mustafa said the Prime Minister Hibiscus Award for the 2014/2015 session had received sponsorships worth RM161,000 from 10 private organisations and seven state governments.
He said 54 companies of various businesses were competing for the award this time, an increase of 20 per cent over the previous session.
In the Environmental Journalism category, 18 entries had been submitted compared to seven previously, he said. -- Bernama