SHAH ALAM, June 24: The evening reading of the Air Pollution Index (API) in several areas in Selangor showed an increase compared to the readings taken yesterday evening and at 7.00 this morning.
In Port Klang, the quality of air as of 5.00 pm showed readings above 317, and in Banting, the readings were above 200.
Meanwhile, Shah Alam recorded an API of 171 and in Petaling Jaya, 196, which is close to a very unhealthy level.
Thus, according to the Selangor State Government Environment Exco, Elizabeth Wong, the Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) has issued an order for industrial plants located in districts that recorded API readings at dangerous levels to reduce their emissions by up to 30 percent.
“In Port Klang, because the haze level in the area has reached over 300, if we follow the action plan of the Standing Orders Procedure (SOP) for dealing with haze, several factories in Klang will be instructed by the Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) to reduce their emissions by up to 30 percent so as to not add to the deteriorating air quality,” said Elizabeth Wong when contacted by TVSelangor.
According to her, the directive was issued automatically based on the SOP found in the National Haze Action Plan which was issued by the department.
Elizabeth added that the Malaysian Meteorological Department expects that some areas in Selangor will receive a little rain this week.
“I think that this situation may not experience a huge difference as long as the fire in Sumatra is not quenched. Now, we see that the wind is blowing in the direction of North, so it is possible that the haze would not leave the Klang Valley in the next few days.
“Furthermore, the Malaysian Meteorological Department expects rain this week. This would help in terms of air quality,” she said.
Based on the air quality index, a reading of between 0 to 50 os categorised as good, 51 to 100 (medium), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above as dangerous.