BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Recent rainfall has helped ease haze conditions across Brunei Darussalam, with all four districts recording Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings within the good range on Sunday morning (Sept 13).
At 9am, Brunei-Muara recorded a PSI reading of 32, while Belait registered 43, Temburong 48 and Tutong 31, according to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Ministry of Development.
JASTRe said recent rainfall had helped subdue the haze, resulting in good air quality nationwide. The public is nevertheless advised to continue monitoring the latest PSI readings as conditions may change.
Under the PSI classification, readings below 50 are considered good, while readings between 51 and 100 are moderate. Readings between 101 and 200 are unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and those above 300 hazardous.
Since September 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. Such particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
JASTRe will continue monitoring air quality nationwide and issue PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm throughout the hazy period.
Meanwhile, the public is reminded to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions during the dry period. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
