BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Occasional wet weather helped to improve air quality across Brunei Darussalam, with all four districts recording good air quality throughout most of Friday (November 13), except for Brunei-Muara, which briefly entered the moderate range at 2pm.
The latest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings showed that air quality remained good nationwide at 7am, with Brunei-Muara recording 18, Belait 39, Temburong six and Tutong 10.
At 9am, readings stood at 14 in Brunei-Muara, 29 in Belait, 27 in Temburong and 37 in Tutong.
By 11am, Brunei-Muara recorded 16, Belait nine, Temburong 27 and Tutong 11, with all districts remaining within the good air quality range.
However, at 2pm, Brunei-Muara recorded a PSI of 51, placing it in the moderate air quality category, while Belait remained good at 30, Temburong at four and Tutong at 13.
By 4pm, Brunei-Muara’s reading had eased to 46, returning to the good air quality range. Belait recorded 23, Temburong four and Tutong 10, with all four districts once again registering good air quality.
The public, particularly children, pregnant women and the elderly, are advised to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities when air quality is moderate.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) under the Ministry of Development continues to step up air quality monitoring during the hazy period. Air quality reporting has also been enhanced with the inclusion of PM2.5 concentrations in the PSI since September 1.
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 affecting cardiovascular and respiratory health. JASTRe will continue to monitor and issue PSI updates during the hazy period at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm.
The Ministry of Health advised the public to take precautions when PSI readings reach the unhealthy level by reducing strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities and minimising unnecessary exposure to haze.
Children, older persons and pregnant women are advised to limit strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities, 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, are advised to seek medical attention at the nearest health centre or healthcare facility.
The public is also reminded to contact the Fire and Rescue Department at 995 immediately in the event of bush or forest fires. The public is also urged to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions. For complaints regarding open burning or for health information and advice, the public may contact the Darussalam Hotline at 123. – LYNA MOHAMAD/Borneo Bulletin-ANN
