ALOR STAR: Haze has affected several parts of Kedah with the Air Pollution Index (API) readings in Alor Star and Sungai Petani today indicating an upward trend towards unhealthy levels.
According to state Department of Environment director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab, all air quality monitoring stations across the state have reported a moderate API status as of 11am today.
However, she noted that Alor Star and Sungai Petani reported API levels of 94 and 93, respectively, with the readings showing a significant increase over the past few hours.
"Currently, the readings for monitoring stations in the Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Langkawi stand at 78 and 79, respectively. Alor Star and Sungai Petani exhibit a trend towards nearly unhealthy levels," she said when contacted today.
She urged the public to postpone any physical outdoor activities if the API exceeds 100.
"It is also advisable for people to use face masks to filter fine particles, especially for individuals with sensitivities to such matter or with respiratory problems such as asthma when going outdoors."
She said the department is actively monitoring the situation to identify the source of the haze.
"Upon reviewing records of complaints from Sept 28 to Oct 1, there have been no reports of open burning from local sources," she added.
Meanwhile, Kedah Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director Muhammad Khalil Abd Aziz said based on weather analysis, the haze is not expected to persist for long periods.
"This is because from Oct 3 to Oct 5, there will be concentrated winds leading to thunderstorms, strong wind, and heavy rain that will probably cause the haze to subside," he said.
He said the haze is likely to be of "local" origin, as strong winds are not anticipated during the Monsoon Transition Period.