Titik panas Kalimantan berganda, kualiti udara 10 kawasan merosot

A surge in the number of hotspots in Kalimantan has led to a deterioration in air quality across 10 regions, according to the State Forest Management Development (JAS) deputy head, Azuri Azizah Saedon. This increase in hotspots, from 520 to 520 in Kalimantan and from 176 to 176 in Sumatra, can be attributed to a group of hotspots in West Kalimantan that extend northward towards Sarawak's western region.

The poor air quality has affected 10 areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, and Sarawak, recording unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) readings as of 7 p.m. on the previous day. Sri Aman and IPD Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest AQI value of 157, followed by Cheras (156) and Johan Setia in Selangor (153).

Other unhealthy AQI reading regions include Nilai in Negeri Sembilan (138), Putrajaya and Shah Alam in Selangor (both 127), Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (114), Seremban in Negeri Sembilan (110), and Sungai Petani in Kedah (106). Three hotspots were also detected in Malaysia by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-20 satellite imagery, located in Terengganu, Johor, and Sarawak.

The situation has prompted the JAS to intensify daily patrols and enhance its response in potentially affected areas, while also monitoring AQI readings continuously. The National Open Burning Action Plan (PTPTK) and National Smoke Control Plan (PTJK) have been activated to coordinate government agencies in managing open burning and smoke dispersion.

This includes preparing the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to activate the Disaster Management Task Force if the AQI reading exceeds 150 for over 24 hours, as well as implementing measures such as halting extracurricular activities, closing schools, kindergartens, and child care centers, and conducting an Air Dispersion Operation (OPA).

The public can monitor the latest AQI readings through JAS's online portal or the MyJAS EQMS application.