Air Quality Deteriorates: 38 Locations in Malaysia Record Unhealthy Levels
Air quality across Malaysia has been reported to be deteriorating since mid-September. Based on the latest data, 38 air monitoring stations nationwide have recorded readings in the unhealthy category.
This situation is concerning to the public as haze has begun to affect daily activities in several states. The state of Sarawak is reported to have recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) readings compared to other areas in Malaysia.
Besides Sarawak, several areas in Johor are also severely affected by this decline in air quality. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that safety measures can be taken to protect the health of local residents.
The public is advised to reduce physical activities outdoors for the time being. The use of face masks is highly encouraged for those who need to be in open areas to avoid respiratory problems.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia also reminds the public to drink plenty of plain water and to seek treatment immediately if experiencing symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing. The government will continue to provide updates on the air quality status from time to time.