GEORGE TOWN: Hazy conditions in several areas of Penang since on Monday have turned for the worse yesterday following open burning activities in the state.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environmental Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said haze levels were moderate with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of between 69 and 84 yesterday.
He said API readings in Seberang Jaya were recorded at 83 at 7am and increased to 84 at 11am, with a visibility of two kilometres.
“Readings in Perai were at 68 at 7am and 72 at 11am, 69 was registered in USM at 7am and 72 at 11am, each recording five and four kilometres of visibility,” he said when contacted by Bernama, here yesterday.
He said the state government and Penang Environmental Department had held talks on Monday and would take stern action on open burning in the state.
Phee said they would also monitor to ensure no open burning was carried out and industrial factories did not produce excessive emission.
“The haze is worsened by hot weather and the lack of rain for the past few days, but I believe the problem (haze) is temporary and things will be normal soon,” he said.
API readings of between 0 and 50 is classified as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and over 301 as dangerous. — Bernama