Brunei Darussalam experienced slight hazy conditions yesterday. A reduction in horizontal visibility ranging between five and seven kilometres has been reported at the Meteorological Observation Station in the Brunei International Airport due to the hazy conditions.
The haze is transboundary in nature, brought over by the prevailing northeasterly winds towards the Sultanate.
The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations (Particulate Matter 10) in the four districts were relatively higher than normal.
However, the air quality in Brunei Darussalam was at a good level.
The PSI readings for yesterday recorded the Brunei-Muara District to be at 37, Belait District at 42, Temburong District, 27; and Tutong District, 38. A PSI reading below 50 is deemed as good, while between 50 and 100 is moderate.
The Ministry of Health advised the public that at moderate PSI readings (between 51 and 100), minor health effects such as cough, eye irritation and runny nose may be experienced, during which time children with asthma, lung and heart diseases are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation is closely monitoring the situation.
The public will be kept informed of the air quality situation through Radio Television Brunei (RTB) radio stations and the department’s website.
In the meantime, the public is advised to refrain from conducting open burning and other activities that may worsen the situation.
