As air quality turns unhealthy at Minden, Penang exco urges public to limit outdoor activities

Minden, in Penang, experienced unhealthy air quality levels on August 13, according to the Penang Housing and Environment Committee Chairman, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at the Minden monitoring station reached 107 at noon, before decreasing to 97 by 3pm.

Sundarajoo noted that from August 10 to 13, the air quality in Penang generally ranged from moderate to unhealthy, with API readings between 60 and 107. Four automated air quality monitoring stations operated by the Department of Environment (DoE) - Seberang Jaya, Seberang Perai, Minden, and Balik Pulau - tracked these fluctuations.

Among these, three stations remained in the moderate category, while one recorded an unhealthy reading. Preliminary data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) indicated 213 hotspots in Sumatra and 835 in Kalimantan between August 9 and 11, suggesting heightened fire activity in the region. However, Sundarajoo clarified that the number of hotspots alone could not determine the level of air quality in Penang, as weather conditions significantly influenced it.

The dominant pollutant during this period was PM₁₀, though its concentration remained moderate. Sundarajoo recommended that the public monitor official API readings via the DoE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) and avoid open burning activities. He urged sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues to limit strenuous outdoor activities and reduce outdoor time, keeping windows and doors closed.

Appropriate face masks should be used if air quality deteriorated. The DoE and other agencies would continue monitoring air quality and hotspot activity.