MASTURA YUSOFF and FARAH FARHANAH HISHAMUDIN
KUALA LUMPUR: Nine areas in the Peninsula recorded moderate air quality level in the Air Pollutant Index (API) as of 5pm.
Department of Environment (DOE) director-general Datuk Halimah Hassan said the API readings showed 41 other areas have good air quality.
“The nine areas are Kuala Terengganu (68), Seremban (60), Malacca (58), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (55), Kemaman (53), Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (52), Nilai (52), Muar (52) and Pasir Gudang (51).
“Two hotspots have been detected in Sumatera, Indonesia via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite,” she said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Meteorological Department officer Ambun Dindang expected continuous rain beginning next month.
However, as at 8am today, there are 62 open burnings, peat fires, forest fires and bush fires reported in the country.
Fire and Rescue Department enforcement officer Ahmad Faizol Che Mud @ Hashim said Perak recorded the most number of open burnings with 21 affected areas followed by Selangor with 17 areas and few other states such as Sarawak (6) and Johor (4).