GEORGE TOWN: The state government has ordered a stop to all outdoor and sports activities, in view of the haze which is showing no signs of abating.
State Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said this applies to schools and sports bodies as well.
He added that the public is also to refrain from engaging in open burning activities so as not to aggravate the situation further.
"Avoid outdoor activities and exposure during the haze.We will not hesitate to take stern action against those who conduct open burning at this period in time," he said today.
As at 4pm today, the Air Pollutant Index (API) for Balik Pulau was at 134 while Minden, at 111.
The air quality deteriorated since yesterday morning, when Balik Pulau first recorded an unhealthy API reading, followed by Minden in the afternoon.
Entering into day eight of the haze situation, Phee said it was decided that all state assemblymen to give out masks to people in their constituency.
He added that around 100,000 masks have been ordered for immediate distribution.
“We are unable to place more orders as the masks are already out of stock. What we have will be distributed to those more susceptible to unhealthy air conditions such as young children and senior citizens,” he added.
API readings are categorised as good for between 0 and 50, moderate for between 51 and 100, unhealthy for between 101 and 200, very unhealthy between 201 and 300 and hazardous if more than 301.