Mt Merapi eruption unlikely to affect Malaysia's air quality - MetMalaysia

Malaysia's air quality is unlikely to be affected by Sunday morning's double volcanic eruption of Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta, spewing a column of grey ash 6,000-metre into the air.

Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Jailan Simon said this was because the winds were blowing in the south and southwest directions and that no earthquake and tsunami were expected to hit the country.

"The Air Pollution Index (API) shows that the air quality reading nationwide is normal," he said in a statement yesterday.

He said that as of 7 pm yesterday, four locations in major cities showed API readings of between 0 and 50, which indicates good air quality, and the areas were Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (47); Kota Tinggi, Johor (48); Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (21); and Kuching, Sarawak (18).

Seven areas recorded API readings of more than 51 to 100 indicating moderate air quality. They were Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (56); Petaling Jaya, Selangor (54); Putrajaya (52); Bandaraya Melaka, Melaka (51); while Tasek Ipoh, Perak; Seberang Perai, Penang; and Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu each recorded a reading of 58.

It was reported that Mount Merapi erupted at 10.13 am and 10.27 am yesterday.

Thus far, the Yogyakarta Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Centre (BPPTKG) has set the Mt Merapi status at a cautious level.

-- BERNAMA