KL air quality hits unhealthy levels
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Environment Department (EDKL) is monitoring air quality across the federal capital, which has deteriorated to unhealthy levels.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Environment Department (EDKL) is closely monitoring the city's air quality, which has deteriorated to unhealthy levels. EDKL director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab reported an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 151 at a Cheras monitoring station as of 6pm, classifying it as unhealthy. The worsening air quality is attributed to haze from multiple directions and exacerbated by hot, dry conditions that trap pollutants over the city.
EDKL has responded by increasing patrols in high-risk areas like illegal rubbish dumps, industrial zones, construction sites, and residential locations. Offenders caught burning waste face severe penalties under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024), including fines of up to RM1 million and imprisonment for up to five years, along with daily fines of up to RM5,000.
Sharifah Zakiah advised the public to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, wear N95 masks, stay hydrated, and avoid open burning. The public can monitor real-time air quality via the official APIMS portal or the MyJAS EQMS mobile app. Any environmental pollution or illegal burning should be reported to EDKL's toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727.
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