File photo shows vehicles along a hazy road. - RAFI ROSLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam is experiencing a hazy condition due to the predominant hotspots in the Borneo region and brought over by the southwesterly wind towards the sultanate, the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department stated yesterday (July 27).
The satellite imagery from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 171 hotspots on July 24, 112 hotspots on July 25 and 105 hotspots on July 26, scattered mostly in the southern and western part of Borneo.
The department forecast the amount of rainfall for July to be below the normal value. During this period the weather is expected to be hot and dry with the daily maximum temperature reaching between 34 degrees Celsius to 37°C.
Hazy conditions often occur during the Southwest monsoon period.
The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from air quality monitoring stations (Particulate Matter 10) in the four districts were relatively higher than normal. The air quality in Brunei was at good to moderate level.
The highest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings recorded yesterday between 7am and 4pm are: Brunei-Muara registered a PSI of 30, Belait recorded 36 and Temburong had the lowest reading at 11—all falling under the ‘Good’ air quality category.
Tutong, however, recorded a PSI of 54, placing it in the ‘Moderate’ air quality range.
PSI reading below 50 is good while PSI between 50 and 100 is moderate.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health advised the public that at moderate PSI readings (between 50 and 100), minor health effects such as coughs, eye irritations and runny nose may occur.
Persons with asthma, lung and heart diseases, pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with dust allergies are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities.
Those experiencing persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms such as coughs, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing are advised to seek medical treatment at the nearest health centres.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation will keep the public informed of the air quality.
The public is advised to contact the Fire and Rescue Department at 995 for bush and forest fires.
The public should also refrain from open burning activities and other actions that may worsen the haze conditions during the dry period.
The public can contact the Darussalam Hotline 123 for complaints on open burning activities or for health information and advice. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
