SHAH ALAM, Aug 27 — Selangor has directed all relevant state agencies to step up their preparedness to deal with the haze based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and the alert levels set out in the National Haze Action Plan.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin
said the matter was decided during the Selangor Disaster Management Committee meeting chaired by State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin today.
For API readings between 101 and 150, preventive and control measures will be strengthened, including reducing unnecessary outdoor activities and stepping up monitoring of industrial areas and waste disposal sites.
“If the API reading rises to between 151 and 200, more comprehensive measures will be implemented, including activating the State and District Disaster Management Committees, enhancing operational management and inter-agency monitoring, as well as disseminating health advice and precautionary measures to the public.
“If the API reading rises to between 201 and 300, stricter action will be taken, including the closure of schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres in accordance with the prevailing regulations, alongside enforcement measures and increased preparedness among relevant agencies, as well as 72-hour Haze Trajectory Forecasts,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah added that if the API exceeds 300, disaster management operations will be strengthened through closer coordination between state and federal agencies.
The state government is also prepared to distribute face masks to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, pregnant women, and children, as an additional protective measure.
“Vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens, pregnant women, as well as those with heart disease and respiratory illnesses, are advised to limit outdoor physical activity when API readings reach unhealthy levels,” she said.
Meanwhile, the councillor said that based on air quality forecasts by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), most districts in Selangor are expected to record unhealthy air quality readings tomorrow.
However, conditions were forecasted to improve on Saturday (August 29), before most districts return to good air quality levels on Sunday (August 30), subject to changes in weather and prevailing atmospheric conditions.
Jamaliah noted that MetMalaysia is also monitoring drought conditions, periods without rainfall, and the risk of forest fires to help relevant agencies prepare and take early action.
“The public are advised to regularly check API readings in their respective areas and comply with instructions and advice issued by the authorities,” she said.
The latest information on air quality can be obtained through the Air Pollutant Index Management System's portal.
