BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Air quality deteriorated in Brunei-Muara and Belait districts on Tuesday (Sept 8) morning, with Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings moving from moderate to unhealthy levels within two hours.
At 11am, Belait recorded the country’s highest PSI reading at 109, followed by Brunei-Muara at 105. Temburong and Tutong remained at moderate levels, recording 82 and 93 respectively.
The latest figures marked a noticeable deterioration from 9am, when all four districts recorded moderate air quality. At the earlier reading, Belait stood at 91, Brunei-Muara at 90, Tutong at 88 and Temburong at 75.
Between 9am and 11am, Belait’s PSI rose by 18 points while Brunei-Muara increased by 15 points. Tutong climbed five points and Temburong seven points.
Under the PSI classification, readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, while readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. Readings between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy, while those exceeding 300 are hazardous.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Ministry of Development said air quality reporting has incorporated PM2.5 concentrations into PSI readings since Sept 1.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. According to the World Health Organization, the particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
JASTRe is monitoring air quality nationwide and issuing PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm throughout the hazy period.
With Brunei-Muara and Belait reaching unhealthy levels, the Ministry of Health advised the public to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities and unnecessary exposure to haze.
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 including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
The public is also reminded to refrain from open burning or other activities that could aggravate haze conditions during the dry period.
Bush and forest fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department through emergency line 995, while complaints concerning open burning and requests for health information and advice can be directed to Talian Darussalam 123. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
