Visibility is good above the Central Business District along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. — Photo by Tan Song Wei
KUCHING: The change in wind direction and early morning rain have done wonders for the city, as the folk here finally get to see tinge of blue in the cloudy skies after days of being enveloped in choking haze.
According to state National Security Council assistant secretary Shalihin Annuar, the improving air quality is because of the shift in wind direction as explained by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who is also the State Disaster Relief Committee chairman, on Friday during a press conference.
“However, we are still monitoring the overall situation, together with other agencies such as Environment Department and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
“The Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) and the Royal Air Force are still doing cloud-seeding operations, even though we have better air condition. The operation is also supported by Public Works Department (JKR) and Kuching Water Board,” he said yesterday.
The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were down to low moderate yesterday in most of the worst-hit areas such as Kuching which registered 60 as at 4pm, while Samarahan recorded 65 and Sri Aman, 63.
Meanwhile, several city folk expressed relief that the haze situation had greatly improved yesterday, following the rain.
Khairulizwan Sidi, 24, was grateful that the rain had washed down the haze, which contributed to better air quality.
“My health was affected by the haze,” said the assistant executive.
Abdul Razak Osman, 48, said he prayed for the situation to improve further.
A couple is seen taking advantage of clearer skies to work on their farm near Jalan Sultan Tengah. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa