KUALA LUMPUR: Air quality levels nationwide generally remained at moderate levels, despite the continued dry weather prevailing over the southern Asean region.
Only Indera Mahkota in Kuantan, Pahang, and Kemaman in Terengganu recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings, with a high of 110 at 1pm and 106 (9am) respectively.
As at 6pm today, the Department of Environment portal showed a slight improvement in readings, with Kemaman’s API recorded at 97. Indera Mahkota’s API remained at an unhealthy level, despite dropping to 106.
API readings of zero to 50 are categorised as good; between 51 and 100 (moderate); between 101 and 200 (unhealthy); between 201 and 300 (very unhealthy); and more than 301 (dangerous).
The department of environment receives API through 68 remotely controlled air quality monitoring stations around the country.
Meanwhile, Monday’s data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) revealed an increase in the number of hotspots, especially in Sumatera, where 42 hotspots were detected.
It also detected three hotspots in West and Central Kalimantan and four in Peninsular Malaysia. All four hotspots detected in Peninsular Malaysia were located in Pahang.
The ASMC said some hotspots may go undetected due to cloudy conditions or partial satellite pass.
“With dry conditions forecast to persist, there may be further escalation of hotspot activities over the next few days.”
A “Level 2” alert was activated in the southern Asean region since Aug 1, following the escalation in hotspot activities and a deterioration in haze situations within the region.
The ASMC issues a Level 2 alert when there are more than 150 hotspots within two consecutive days with dense smoke plumes, persistent dry weather, and prevailing winds blowing towards Asean countries.
“ASMC assessed that there could be a further escalation of hotspot activities and an increase in the risk of transboundary haze occurrence,” it said on its website.