The pollutant standard index (PSI) has shown that the Sultanate continued to enjoy healthy air quality yesterday.
As of 4pm yesterday, Brunei’s PSI, published in the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation’s (JASTRe) social media, had readings of 27 for Brunei-Muara District, 19 for Tutong District, 21 for Belait District and 23 for Temburong District.
The department issues three daily updates on PSI readings for all districts on its website and social media.
A PSI reading of between zero to 50 is categorised at ‘good’ level while the ‘moderate’ level is 51 to 100 and an ‘unhealthy’ level is between 101 to 200. The reading of ‘very unhealthy’ to ‘hazardous’ is over 200.
As of yesterday, West Malaysia continued to be impacted by unhealthy air quality in several areas, according to its media reports.
The Environment Department’s Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia (APIM) website showed that as of 9am yesterday, Nilai recorded the highest API at 156 followed by Cheras (154) and Seremban (142).
The other two areas to record unhealthy air quality levels were Banting at 119 and Petaling Jaya (109).
An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100 (moderate); 101 to 200 (unhealthy); 201 to 300 (very unhealthy); and 300 and above (hazardous).
According to asmc.asean.org, the weather and climate services for ASEAN, under the prolonged dry weather, elevated hotspot activity and widespread moderate to dense haze are likely to continue over southern and central Sumatra, as well as much of southern Kalimantan.
With the prevailing winds forecast to be generally southeasterly and to blow occasionally from the south or southwest, there remains a risk of transboundary haze occurrences in the southern ASEAN region.
Over the northern ASEAN region, rainy weather is forecast and the overall hotspot activity is expected to remain low.
The prevailing winds are forecast to be light and variable in direction over the Mekong sub-region. Over the Philippines, southwesterly winds are forecast due to the influence of Typhoon Koinu. – James Kon
