Unhealthy air quality in eight areas

Eight areas have recorded unhealthy air quality in the latest Department of Environment (DOE) air quality monitoring station report.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the eight areas were Nilai with an air pollutant index (API) of 104, Banting (108), Port Klang (107), Petaling Jaya (103), Shah Alam (106), Putrajaya (112), Batu Muda Kuala Lumpur (103) and Cheras (106).

"The Health Ministry has been monitoring the haze condition in the country via 52 monitoring stations starting from 7am on Monday to 9am this morning," he said in a statement here today.

He said 32 other areas showed moderate air quality, 10 areas had good air quality and there were no record on two areas.

As such, all health clinics and hospitals have been told to be prepared to face an increase in the number of haze related patients and ensure adequate supply of medicine and equipment such as face masks.

Subramaniam said the ministry through the state health departments were monitoring haze-related diseases (upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and sore eyes) at clinics in areas affected by haze.

He said based on the 2014 National Haze Action Plan, schools, kindergartens and nurseries could be closed without having to obtain ministry order if the API reading exceeded 200 for more than 48 hours.

"At a reading of between 101-150, high-risk students should stop outdoor activities and all school outdoor activities ceased at API reading of between 151-200," he said.

In this regard, the ministry is advising the people to take precautionary measures such as reducing physical activities outdoor and drinking sufficient amount of water.

The ministry has also put up various preventive measures in its website at www.infosihat.gov.my or www.moh.gov.my.