SHAH ALAM – The state government has taken a resolution to implement cloud seeding operations in areas with an air pollution index (API) reading of above 200, which is extremely unhealthy.
Exco of Environment, Green Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Consumer Affairs, Hee Loy Sian said the measure was approved at the Selangor Economic Action Meeting (MTES) yesterday.
He said the Disaster Management Committee at the district and state levels should also be activated when the API has readings between 151-200 (over 24 hours) of unhealthy levels besides providing dust masks to the public.
“All schools, kindergartens and nurseries are ordered to close down immediately if the Air Pollution Index (API) reads more than 200 after receiving the approval of the Selangor Department of Environment (DOE),” said Hee.
“To address the haze problem, the state government adopted the National Open Fire Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan issued by the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC),” he said in a statement today.
At the same time, Hee also reminded the public to obey the orders issued by the authorities and not to conduct open fires other than to cooperate in extinguishing small fires.
“The public is advised to reduce outdoor activities and be up-to-date on API information which can be downloaded through the MyIPU application for air quality information for all monitoring stations nationwide,” he said.
“To get current API information in their area, people can download the MyIPU app from Google Play or the App Store for free on their smartphone or through the JAS website www.doe.gov.my or apims.doe.gov.my , ” he added.
Good reading levels (under 50), Medium (IPU 51 to 100), Unhealthy (IPU 101 to 200), Very Unhealthy (IPU 201 to 300) and Dangerous (API over 300).
Members of the public who wish to provide information on open burning may also contact the DOE at toll-free 1-800-88-2727 or the DOE Headquarters Malaysia (03-88712000) or call the Selangor DOE Control Room (03-55197233)
