Malaysia's API measurements meet WHO standards - Wan Junaidi

Malaysia's Air Pollutant Index (API) measurements are in accordance with what are being used globally as set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the public should not make comparisons with Singapore's API measurements, as the universal benchmark was available.

He said based on its size, Singapore might not require many API stations, whereas for Malaysia, which currently has more than 50 stations, the number was still not sufficient.

Wan Junaidi said the country had been implementing a system that could capture particulates of 10 micrometres or PM10, compared to PM2.5 used in Singapore.

But the steps in dealing with the haze, especially relating to public health care has never been compromised, he told reporters after launching Sarawak Community College convocation ceremony here Saturday.

Wan Junaidi said in Malaysia, when the API reading reached 100, people were asked to be on alert, cloud seeding would be carried out if the reading reached 150 and at 200, schools were advised to be closed.

He said in some neighbouring countries, schools would only be closed if the API reading reached 300, without cloud seeding.

Malaysia is expected to implement PM2.5 by 2017, where a more integrated system would be established that could also measure pollution level of the river, sea and so on, he said.

Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi said it was understood that Singapore would take legal action against its companies in Indonesia, which were found contributing to the haze problem.

He added that the country might be able to do so because it had transboundary haze law.

Malaysia would not able to do so because the country does not have such law, but Wan Junaidi said he was in the process of discussion with legal counsel and the Attorney-General's Chambers to enact the bill.