KOTA BARU: The Department of Environment (DOE) has been directed to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) in the country after two areas, one each in the state and Johor, registered unhealthy air quality readings.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad issued the directive after Tanah Merah here and Segamat in Johor recorded API readings of 109 and 139 respectively as at 2pm yesterday.
"Since the monsoon transition phase is on-going, we are taking precautionary measures to prevent the unhealthy weather from affecting the health of the people.
"The ministry has directed DOE to monitor closely both areas since the department has its own guidelines in handling this issue," Nik Nazmi told reporters after handing over Raya baskets to 70 asnaf at Kampung Parit near Pasir Tumboh here today.
He also urged the department to beef up its enforcement against open burning and other activities that can contribute to haze and other forms of air pollution.
"The department can act against those who violate the law and members of the public are also advised to take precautionary measures to prevent any illness from this unhealthy condition," he added.
API readings between 0 to 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), 300 and above hazardous.
The country is currently in the monsoon transition phase, which began on March 23 and is expected to end in mid-May, marking the end of the Northeast Monsoon that started in November last year.
Based on a report by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the country will receive weak winds from various directions that increase the potential for thunderstorms and heavy rains with strong winds in a short period of time during the transition phase.