BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Belait remained the only district in Brunei Darussalam with unhealthy air quality at 2pm Monday (Sept 7), although its Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading improved slightly from 113 at 11am to 108.
Brunei-Muara recorded the most significant improvement, with its PSI falling from 113 at 11am, classified as unhealthy, to 84 at 2pm, bringing the district back into the moderate range.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) said Temburong’s reading also improved, from 93 to 86, while Tutong remained unchanged at 98.
Under the PSI classification, readings below 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and readings above 300 hazardous.
JASTRe said air quality reporting has been enhanced since Sept 1 through the incorporation of PM2.5 concentrations into PSI reporting.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. According to the World Health Organization, these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing adverse effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The department said it will continue to monitor air quality across the country and provide PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm during the hazy period.
The Ministry of Health advised members of the public to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activity and unnecessary exposure to haze when PSI readings reach the unhealthy level.
Children, older persons and pregnant women are advised to restrict strenuous or prolonged outdoor activity, while individuals with existing heart or respiratory conditions should avoid such activities.
Those experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing are advised to seek medical attention at the nearest health centre or health facility.
The public is also reminded to refrain from open burning activities and other actions that could worsen haze conditions during the dry period.
Members of the public should contact the Fire and Rescue Department at 995 immediately to report bush or forest fires.
Complaints on open burning activities, as well as health information and advice, can be directed to the Darussalam Hotline at 123.
Further information on PSI readings is available at the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation’s website and Instagram account @jastre.bn, while health information and advice are available through the Ministry of Health’s website and official Instagram account. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
