MALAYSIAN STATE EXPERIENCING HAZE DUE TO OPEN BURNING IN SUMATRA

BUTTERWORTH (Malaysia), July 7 (Bernama) -- The air quality in several parts
of Penang deteriorated Wednesday with the Air Pollution Index (API) in Seberang
Jaya rising to to 96 at 11am from 94 at 7am.

State Welfare, Health, Caring Community and Environment Committee chairman
Phee Boon Poh said the haze over the state for the past few days was believed to
have been due to open burning in Sumatra, Indonesia.

"Based on reports received, 156 hot spots have been detected in Sumatra and
the situation here has worsened due to the southwesterly wind blowing the smoke
from there," he told Bernama.

He said the API recorded in Seberang Jaya was 96 with visibility restricted
to within two kilometres, Prai (77) with visibility within six km and Universiti
Sains Malaysia (80), within four km.

"The haze will continue until Sunday following the weather forecast of
no rain in Penang until that day," he said.


In view of the haze, Phee advised the people not to do any open burning as
this could worsen the situation.

"Those doing outdoor activities and those at high risk are advised to wear
masks," he said, adding that the state government was providing 100,000 pieces
of masks to students in the state.

The API readings for air quality are 0-50 (good), 51-100 (moderate), 101-200
(unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above (harzardous).