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

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 13 — Air quality in certain parts of Penang deteriorated to unhealthy levels on Aug 13, with the Minden monitoring station registering an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 107 at noon, according to Penang Housing and Environment Committee Chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. The API subsequently decreased to 103 at 1pm and 97 at 3pm, returning to the moderate category. Between Aug 10 and 13, the air quality in Penang generally ranged from moderate to unhealthy, with API readings between 60 and 107, he stated.

Penang has four automated air quality monitoring stations managed by the Department of Environment (DoE), situated in Seberang Jaya, Seberang Perai, Minden, and Balik Pulau. The Minden and Balik Pulau stations recorded API readings between 57 and 107, whereas Seberang Perai and Seberang Jaya reported readings between 66 and 96. Out of the four stations, three remained in the moderate category, while one recorded an unhealthy reading.

ASMC reported 213 hotspots in Sumatra and 835 in Kalimantan between Aug 9 and 11, indicating heightened fire activity in the region. However, the number of hotspots cannot be the sole determinant of Penang's air quality, as it depends on meteorological factors like wind direction and speed, atmospheric conditions, and rainfall distribution. Currently, the dominant pollutant is PM₁₀, albeit at moderate levels.

Sundarajoo urged the public to monitor official API readings from the DoE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) instead of unverified social media information. He also advised individuals to avoid open burning activities, including rubbish, dry leaves, and agricultural waste, and to promptly report such occurrences to authorities.

For those with respiratory health issues, sensitive groups, and during increased API readings, the public should limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use suitable face masks if air quality worsens. The DoE and relevant agencies will continue to monitor air quality and hotspot activity.