A motorist dons a N95 face mask due to the ongoing haze in the city.
SIBU: Members of the public are advised to stay indoors in view of the deteriorating air quality.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye has urged the public to wear the proper face masks if outdoor activities cannot be avoided.
He was asked for the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) advice in view of the deteriorating air quality, especially in Sri Aman, where the air quality has plunged to hazardous levels with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading hitting 367 – the highest in the country – as at 10am today.
“Stay indoors as much as possible, and if you need to go outdoors, wear a N95 mask,” he said.
An N95 mask is designed to filter at least 95 per cent of harmful particles, and is far more effective than the more commonly seen surgical face mask, which will only protect the wearer from fluids.
Haze is made of mostly harmful substances under 2.5 microns and will easily penetrate a surgical mask, but will be stopped by a N95 mask if worn properly.
Dr Lee also advised people to drink more fluids – at least 1.5 litres a day.
“Patients with asthma, bronchitis and heart diseases can get worse during haze. Seek medical advice if you begin exhibiting any symptoms.”
Sibu has the third highest API reading in Sarawak at 169 after Kuching (220).
The air quality here has deteriorated overnight as the API reading was just 132 at 4pm on Monday.
Haze has shrouded most parts of the town, filling the air with the smell of smoke.
The reading here has recorded unhealthy levels of air for the past few days.
There are also three cases of bush fires recorded here today.
Meanwhile, other places with unhealthy air quality API reading as of 10am today are Samarahan (156), Sarikei (151), Mukah (141), Bintulu (129), Miri (126), Samalaju (112) and ILP Miri (105)
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).