SIBU: The air quality here is nearing a very unhealthy level with air pollution index (API) reading at 176 as at 1pm yesterday, prompting the Health Department to monitor the admission of people with respiratory diseases.
State health director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan said yesterday schools will be advised to close when the API hits 200.
He was asked if the department anticipated a hike in asthma cases and respiratory related illness here following the deterioration of air quality, the most unhealthy in the country.
“We don’t expect a spike. There may be a little increase as in the past.
“Advice and alerts have been publicised,” Dr Zulkifli told The Borneo Post.
The API reading on Saturday was just 110 but soared rapidly to 149 at 9am yesterday before climbing to 176 at 1pm.
Other areas in the country recording unhealthy air quality yesterday were Seri Manjung, Perak (108) and Port Klang, Selangor (116).
Dr Zulkifli advised the public here to refrain from outdoor activities such as jogging.
“Parents are also advised not to bring their young children outdoor to public places such as parks and so on.
“Those needing to go out due to work or other commitments are advised to wear face mask,” he said.
Meanwhile, other parts of the state recorded moderate air quality yesterday.
Bintulu recorded an API of 69, ILP Miri (58), Kapit (65), Kuching (58), Limbang (55), Miri (65), Samarahan (79), Sarikei (67) and Sri Aman (84).
An API reading of 0 to 50 is considered healthy, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).
The Meteorological Department, meanwhile, forecast there would be no rain in the state this morning. Isolated showers are expected in the afternoon and night.
The temperature here hit 36 degrees Celsius yesterday, with people thronging shopping malls to get away from the scorching heat.
And thick fog was seen engulfing major roads leading to the town.
In Pahlawan Road for instance, visibility was greatly reduced with safety-conscious drivers switching on lights.
There was also reduced visibility along the Rajang River.
SRB Region Two assistant controller Christopher Chan advised boat skippers to reduce speed, especially when negotiating bends.