HAZE DESCENDS ON PENANG

PENANG, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Haze has descended on Penang, limiting
visibility in three areas to between four to seven kilometres.

A Meterological Department spokesman here attributed the haze to open
burning in Sumatera, Indonesia.

He said as of 11am Wednesday, the Air Pollutant Index (API) at Seberang Jaya
stood at 72 with visibility of four kilometres followed by Perai with 59 and
visibility of five kilometres.

"Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recorded API of 62 with visibility of seven
kilometres. The API will keep changing from time to time according to weather
conditions," he told Bernama here Wednesday.

The API for unhealthy air quality is over 100.

He said the haze in Penang was fair and not cause for worry as it would
change when winds blow, forming clouds, resulting in rainfall.

The public have been advised against open burning as it would worsen the
haze, despite the fair API.
-- BERNAMA