Penangites brace for sore throat season as dry weather, haze roll in

GEORGE TOWN: Penang is bracing for sore throat season, what with the dry weather and hazy sky this week.

The haze, which isn't too far from the unhealthy reading of 101 and above on the Air Pollution Index (API), has lead to many people worrying about their health.

Many shared the API readings on social media and warned those heading out to work to wear a mask.

With the UPSR examination starting on Wednesday (Sept 4), the state's environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh is urging everyone to use a face mask when stepping out of their homes.

"The haze is here to stay as we are approaching the inter-monsoon period before the North-East Monsoon starting in October.

"We have been monitoring the haze, and it shows that the past three days have had API readings between 75 to 88, with the haze on the island always reading higher than the mainland.

"Although it may still be below the critical level, we appeal to the people to avoid strenuous exercise, especially in urban areas.

"If you do want to exercise, it would be better to do so in parks such as the Botanical Gardens or the Penang City Park," said Phee.

He added that there were higher-than-normal number of cough and flu cases in the state.

"It's important to drink more warm water during such weather," he said.

A check on the Department of Environment (DoE) website at 1pm on Wednesday showed that the readings in Seberang Prai, Seberang Jaya, Balik Pulau and Minden were hovering between 78 and 90.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good while 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above deemed hazardous.