Subang tops in Low Visibility index

[jeffooi]

Subang, ID-ed as Station 48647 by the Meteorological Services Department, recorded the worst visibility zone in Malaysia at:
- 0.5km (08:00hr),
- 0.5km (09:00hr),
- 0.5km (10:00hr),
- 0.5km (11:00hr),
- 0.5km (12:00hr),
- 0.4km (13:00hr) and
- 0.4km (14:00hr).

It was only overtaken by Station 48648 (Petaling) at 14:00hr, when visibility dropped to 0.3km.

A horizontal visibility of 0.3km is regarded as the 'Hazardous Level' in Malaysia.

Go for hourly update at this website:

http://www.kjc.gov.my/english/service/observation/visibility.html

[zap188]

From the Star:

Port Klang air quality at hazardous level

PETALING JAYA: The Air Pollutant Index (API) hit 410 in the Port Klang as at noon Wednesday.

API levels in several areas in Selangor and the Federal Territory at noon are as follows:


Kuala Lumpur - 181
Petaling Jaya - 204
Kuala Selangor - 327
Shah Alam - 316
Putrajaya - 224.
The API system as adopted in Malaysia categorises air quality as hazardous to health when the index exceeds 300, according to the Department of Environment website.

[cherry]

Thanks for the info, guys. I was wondering what would be the API level or visibility that flights would be canceled or delayed?

[Ski]

Wow!!! finally DOE has revealed the API what were they afraid of, anyway tourists will still come afterall their bookings were made before the haze.

So SJ is worst hit at the moment, all schools should be shut asap.

[dragonfly]

From the Star:

Port Klang air quality at hazardous level

PETALING JAYA: The Air Pollutant Index (API) hit 410 in the Port Klang as at noon Wednesday.

API levels in several areas in Selangor and the Federal Territory at noon are as follows:


Kuala Lumpur - 181
Petaling Jaya - 204
Kuala Selangor - 327
Shah Alam - 316
Putrajaya - 224.
The API system as adopted in Malaysia categorises air quality as hazardous to health when the index exceeds 300, according to the Department of Environment website.

Zap188......how come you managed to get those API figures? The DPM was quoted last night as saying the API index would not be released to public......lest they should drive tourist away!

[Lexus]

Wow!!! finally DOE has revealed the API what were they afraid of, anyway tourists will still come afterall their bookings were made before the haze.

So SJ is worst hit at the moment, all schools should be shut asap.

This is according to the Minister of Education that if the haze get worse, they are force to shut down some school for a week and launch 'darurat' week

[zap188]

What mentioned last night may not stick the next minute. We are good with flip-flop.

This news can be found at this link:

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/8/10/nation/20050810144759&sec=nation
Whereas, Malaysiakini is headlining:

Govt reveals API amid worsening haze

Aug 10, 05 3:20pm

Following the worsening haze condition in the country, the government has decided to revoke its eight-year ban on the disclosure of the Air Pollutant Index (API) beginning today.

Hazardous levels
National Security Council will take over

[Harmony]

SMK Seafield afternoon session is cancelled today. Quick thinking on the teachers part.....

Just a few weeks ago I was enjoying the beautiful sights of flowers in pink & white, blooming on trees along the streets...Then I felt like Spring time!

Alas, Now.... foggy (read: smog) like Autumn minus the chilly weather!!

[isarahim]

The DPM was quoted last night as saying the API index would not be released to public......lest they should drive tourist away!

The DPM should stop insulting the tourists. It's the other way around.

[cherry]

I hope it would rain because I can hear the thunder... Yippeeee... :D

[fRaNkY]

At noon I cannot even see the highway to Midvalley and RTM from 29 floor in KL!
Now can see RTM white roof!

[isarahim]

Midvalley

At least you won't get to see this enormous distastefully ugly monstrosity Midvalley...at least something good...KL & PJ looks better now...

[blue_hippo]

infront of my hse so teruk...like ppl burn sampah...and i went and buy mask to wear....

[MOYSC]

Following is a past article posted at Sahabat Alam Malaysia website. It tells about our country's Haze Action Plan which was approved since 1997 - measures to be done when API reaches the various critical levels. Read on to see what the existing Govt had done as compared to the action plan...

Haze - Haze is a phenomenon characterised by high concentration of particulate matter that scatters and absorbs sunlight, lowering horizontal visibility. Haze episodes were reported as early as the 1980s. The August 1991 haze was the first serious haze in the country, followed by an equally serious haze in 1994. The haze in 1997 is by far the worst yet, and is expected to extend to May 1998. Haze attracted a great deal of public attention in the 1990s. Complaints of increased respiratory and asthma cases, poor visibility and a general feeling of depression were heard, and disruptions reported. In 1991, a fighter jet fly-past and parachuting display scheduled for the National Day celebrations on August 31 were cancelled, and light aircraft were banned from flying temporarily. Ipoh was dubbed the "Lost Horizon" when the visiting Japanese Emperor Akihito and his consort's scheduled visit was called off because of the haze. Poor visibility also caused at least one ship to run aground in Port Klang, and delayed the arrival and departure of 30 vessels. Incoming flights to Subang Airport had to be diverted to Penang or Singapore while outgoing flights were delayed.

The situation became so serious that the Cabinet directed anti- pollution measures to be more strictly enforced to prevent the worsening of the haze. The 1991 haze was attributed to local causes such as open burning, increasing pollution in urban industrial areas and transport pollutants, as well as foreign causes such as forest fires in Sumatra, and peat fires in Kalimantan. Conditions such as relatively long dry spells, topography and light surface winds can also acerbate the haze. In the 1997 haze, the National Disaster Relief Management Committee ordered schools in Sarawak to close after the Air Pollution Index breached the 400 mark in the state. The Health Ministry's Haze Surveillance Operations Room issued warnings. At level 101 to 200 (unhealthy), those in the high-risk group were advised to stay indoors while others were advised to limit their outdoor activities. At level 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), high-risk groups should wear nasal masks while outdoors and drink plenty of water. At level 301 to 500 (hazardous), everyone should stay indoors.

Motorcyclists and those who work outdoors should wear nasal masks and smokers to stop smoking. At level 501 and higher (emergency), everyone was advised to follows National Security Council directives. People were been advised to car-pool, reduce the use of two-stroke engine motorcycles to reduce smoke emissions, wear respiratory mask and use public transport. Kindergartens were advised to close once the Air Pollution Index (API) reached 300. High-risk groups such as asthmatics, those suffering from chronic lung diseases, the aged, toddlers below one year old and smokers were advised to seek medical treatment if they had trouble breathing. Smokers were also told to stop smoking. The high-risk groups were advised by the Health Ministry to stay indoors, wear a nasal mask if they had to be outdoors and to take medication on doctor's advice. Extended exposure may result in health problems in 10 to 20 years' time. Factories were told to suspend operations. Malaysian companies implicated in large-scale land clearing and open burning in Indonesia were told to contact the National Security Division. Following the collision of two cargo vessels near Port Klang and one near miss along the Straits of Malacca, the authorities advised tankers of more than 220 tonnes to avoid the Straits. Cloud-seeding flights were made nationwide to reduce the haze. Flights were delayed and airports were closed. Malaysia deployed 2000 personnel from the Fire Services and Rescue Department as well as the Special Malaysian Assistance Resource Team (SMART) to Indonesia to put out the raging fires.


Haze Action Plan - The Haze Action Plan formulated by the National Haze Committee after the haze episode in 1991 has finally approved by the Cabinet in August 1997. The Plan is not mandatory and is currently implemented on a voluntary basis despite the declaration of an emergency in Sarawak and the haze being described as a national emergency in 1997. Despite the existence of recommendations under the Plan to tackle local sources of pollution in mitigating the haze problem, the authorities have not found it fit to carry out such measures. According to the Plan, when the Air Pollution Index reaches an unhealthy level, i.e. an API reading of 101 - 200, for more than 72 hours, the actions that have been recommended include:
Actions must be taken to reduce private vehicle usage and increase the use of public transport. Local authorities are required to increase car parking rates whilst the Transport Ministry is to get public transport operators to reduce charges for public transport. In addition, car-pooling is encouraged.
Local authorities are to require quarry operators to use sprinklers to reduce dust.
The Department of Environment is to require industries to reduce smoke emissions.
DOE is to ensure that all operations causing the discharge of volatile organic compounds such as spraying, flaring and painting is minimized.
Industries and power stations are to reduce the use of oil fuel.
Total prohibition of all open-burning and stepping-up enforcement.

When the API reaches the very unhealthy level, i.e. 201 - 300, among the measures recommended include stopping operation of old buses and taxis; cutting down traffic volume in cities by 50 percent and cutting down fuel utilization by 50 percent. When the Index reaches very hazardous levels, i.e. 301 - 400, among the recommended measures include the shortening of school and working hours, introducing discounted or free fares for public transport, banning usage of private vehicles and stopping emissions from industries.

Haze Protector - At the height of the haze in 1997, the question of what constitutes a reliable respiratory protector arose. Apparently there is a difference between a mask and a respirator. A mask merely provides protection against particulate matter such as household dusts. It is not sufficient to protect against PM10 or smaller particles, which are known as respirable dust. Surgical masks are designed to protect the patient from wearer-generated micro-organisms. Fluid resistant masks help to reduce potential exposure of the wearer to blood and body fluids. Therefore, these masks are inadequate to protect the wearer from the haze. Masks are only effective if they have: adjustable nose clip; double elastic straps; electrostatically charged filter; internationally-recognized testing certification number printed on the product; and are fitted properly to the wearer's face. On the other hand, respirators are designed to filter and purify ambient air against certain air- borne contaminants. They also have a snug fit around the face and double elastic straps to help avoid leaks where contaminants may enter. Most surgical masks do not have the same filtering capability; they do not have the same snug fit; and they cannot provide respiratory protection. An effective respirator must be tested against particles with an aerodynamic diameter in the most penetrating size range: 0.2 to 0.6 micrometer. The governing body's certified number is printed on the respirator to indicate its compliance with the testing standards. The respirator should be replaced if breathing becomes difficult, or if it is damaged.

[drewkool]

Ban this ban that, close schools, avoid out door, they help? (http://news.haapie.com/story.php?nid=69)

I supposed the very simple way to solve this is to go straight down blaming the source of the causation. Proven to be effective and efficient in real life, it means, straight to the point, the culprit.

[Ski]

The most developed state is worst hit according to the API..but then we in SJ /USJ were the most blessed with a shower yesterday ;) but the situation hasn't change..and the odour of air is unbearable.

[Chermaine]

How is the condition now in Subang/USJ....
My office in KL is getting worse.......nose feeling hot...throat feeling itchy...eyes......feel like crying......
I am wearing mask in the office now...prevent my asthma attack....

[mad1126]

How is the condition now in Subang/USJ....
My office in KL is getting worse.......nose feeling hot...throat feeling itchy...eyes......feel like crying......
I am wearing mask in the office now...prevent my asthma attack....

Subang now getting worse and is very bad. might be worse than yesterday :o

[Ski]

How is the condition now in Subang/USJ....
My office in KL is getting worse.......nose feeling hot...throat feeling itchy...eyes......feel like crying......
I am wearing mask in the office now...prevent my asthma attack....
Hi Cher :)
I tell you its pretty bad from my window i am a prisoner in my own home :mad: .... got to give my lungs a break I will chabut to Taiping this weekend :cool: . Take care .

Cheerz

[cherry]

I am wearing mask in the office now...prevent my asthma attack....

I'm sorry to hear that.... I hope you have a spare inhaler with you

[tan_r]

... might be worse than yesterday :o
Not MIGHT. It is much, much worse than yesterday. From USJ 18, I cannot see the infamous Rhythm Avenue which is just across the road!

[Ski]

Hi
Just to share this email with you.


Info from Methological Department Malaysia -
>
>
>Haze situation is deteriorating as seen today.
> > For update, we have contacted our experts and doctors seeking their
> > advise and appended below is what they have commented. Stay tune for
> > more updates.
> >
>
> >
> > HAZE THREATENS YOUR HEALTH
> >
> > Continuous hazy conditions will cause ill effects to all people
> > especially those in the high risk groups such as :-
> >
> > 1. Children
> > 2. The elderly
> > 3. Those with illnesses like, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Chronic
> > lung diseases, Heart diseases and Allergies 4. Cigarette smokers 5.
> > Those who work outdoors most of the time
> >
> > WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO
> > THE HAZE?
> >
> > The effects of continuous exposure to the haze
> > include:-
> >
> > Itchy sensation in the throat, and coughing, increased phlegm
> > Difficulty in breathing (wheeze) or nose block Pain, irritation, red
> > and watery eyes Itchy skin rashes
> >
> > If above symptoms persist, get advice and treatment at the nearest
> > clinic.
> >
> > PREVENTION OF HAZE-RELATED ILLNESSES
> >
> > *Close all windows and doors to your bedroom. Boil a kettle (electric)
> > of water in the room and allow the steam to fill the room. Allow 10 -
> > 15 minutes for the fine water vapor (steam) to collect the pollutants
> > / particles in the air and settle down.
> > After this the room should contain healthier air.
> >
> > *Usage of face and surgical masks are of no use if they are not
> > regularly changed as they can act as a base for bacteria to grow and
> > result in other infections. Only very close fitting masks that do not
> > allow air to enter through the sides of the mask are effective.
> >
> > *Limit all outdoor activity as far as possible e.g avoid outdoor sport
> > or physical activities.
> >
> > *Always wash / bathe as soon as you return from outdoors. This will
> > minimize eye / skin irritation.
> > For minor eye irritation try using over the counter eye drops e.g Eye
> > Mo.
> >
> > *Use your car air-conditioner when traveling in the car.
> >
> > * Drink a lot of water.
> >
> > *Smokers are advised to quit smoking.
> >
> > * Those who suffer from diseases such as flu, bronchitis, asthma,
> > conjunctivitis, heart diseases or chronic lung diseases should seek
> > immediate treatment at the clinic or hospital if their condition
> > worsens.


Take care of your health :)
>

[cherry]

At this time... I just wish the super heroes are here to fan the haze back to Sumatra :D

[Ski]

First DOE says if API goes beyond 500 they will declare a State of Emergency in some areas..it seems no one want to take responsiblity..Stupid officials. What are they waiting for.. to reach 600..would we be still living :confused:

Check this website if the other one is not working.

http://www.jas.sains.my/jas/Air+Pollutant+Index++11-8-05.htm

[fRaNkY]

This one also not working. ONly updated once or twice a day!

[fRaNkY]

The condition in USJ last nite around 6.30pm an the bridge before Summit.

You can see (almost) HeiTech Village building.

[Ski]

This one also not working. ONly updated once or twice a day!
Exactaly I dont why only twice a day only, maybe it takes some time to gather the data from all over...its normal lah with our authorities.. but seems the sitaution is getting better..ok will wait for the 11.00am report

Cheerz

[mad1126]

The new API has release please check at www.jas.sains.my/jas/default.html

Now the top hazy area goes to Shah Alam

For USJ we refer to Shah Alam or PJ :confused:

[Chermaine]

For USJ we refer to Shah Alam or PJ :confused:

My area should be shah alam...shah alam just next to our housing :p

[in]

Something is not right. The index says that Shah Alam is 412 today. I work in Glenmarie, the sun is actually shining (but not very bright/hot lah), and the haze looks waaaay better than yesterday. It can't be 412.

[idolfan]

Those readings were posted at 11am.. done earlier.

situation will be fluid .. varying depending on wind and whether source is under control.