BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Air quality across all four districts remained at moderate levels Saturday morning (Sept 26), according to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe).
At 9am, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) stood at 51 in Brunei-Muara, 55 in Belait, 58 in Temburong and 51 in Tutong.
The readings showed an overall improvement from 7am, when Brunei-Muara recorded a PSI of 58, Belait 59, Temburong 55 and Tutong 52. Temburong was the only district to record an increase during the two-hour period.
JASTRe said air quality reporting in the Sultanate has incorporated PM2.5 concentrations into PSI reporting since September 1. PM2.5 refers to fine suspended 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 department will continue monitoring air quality nationwide and issue PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm during the hazy period.
A PSI reading below 50 is categorised as good, while readings between 51 and 100 are moderate. Readings of 101 to 200 are unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and above 300 hazardous.
The Ministry of Health said normal outdoor activities may continue when PSI levels are moderate. However, children, pregnant women and the elderly are advised to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor physical activity, while individuals with heart or lung conditions should limit such activities.
Those experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical attention at nearby clinics or health centres.
The public is also urged to refrain from open burning or other activities that could worsen haze conditions. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
