BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Air quality across Brunei Darussalam showed marked improvement Wednesday (Sept 8) morning, with Brunei-Muara and Temburong recording good Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings by 9am.
Brunei-Muara recorded a PSI of 33 at 9am, down from 53 at 7am, while Temburong saw the sharpest improvement, falling from 63 to 24. Both districts moved from the moderate to good category.
Belait remained at a moderate level but improved from 65 at 7am to 61 at 9am, while Tutong also remained moderate as its PSI declined from 56 to 52.
Under the PSI classification, readings below 50 are considered good, while readings between 51 and 100 are moderate. Readings from 101 to 200 are unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and those above 300 hazardous.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Ministry of Development said air quality monitoring will continue nationwide, with PSI updates issued five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm throughout the hazy period.
Since Sept 1, PM2.5 concentrations have been incorporated into the country’s PSI reporting. The World Health Organization defines PM2.5 as fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The Ministry of Health said outdoor activities may continue as usual when PSI readings are in the moderate range. However, children, pregnant women and older persons are advised to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor physical activities, while those with heart or lung conditions should limit such activities.
Those experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention at nearby clinics or health centres.
The public is also advised to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions during the dry period. Bush and forest fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department through emergency line 995.
Complaints concerning open burning, as well as requests for health information and advice, can be directed to Talian Darussalam 123. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
