Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. -filepic
SEREMBAN: Quarry operations and land clearing activity for a new industrial area in Nilai could have contributed to the unhealthy air quality reported in the city here, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The Mentri Besar said the dry weather in recent days has further compounded the problem.
"When I used the North-South Expressway a few days ago, I noticed there was a pall of dust in areas near Nilai where we have a few quarries operating.
"I believe this, the land clearing activity and the dry weather in recent days have contributed to the slightly unhealthy air quality," he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting at Wisma Negri on Wednesday (April 12).
As of noon Wednesday, Seremban was the only area in the country to register a slightly unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API).
At 6am, the API reading was 103 and this increased to 127 at noon.
An API of below 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy and beyond that is hazardous.
Aminuddin said he had directed the state Environment Department and the Seremban district office to investigate the matter after seeing parts of Nilai covered in dust.
"I told them to check out the situation to ensure it does not worsen and cause the air quality to deteriorate further.
"I believe that the dust will be cleared once it rains in the area," he said, adding that the authorities did not get any reports of fires which could have caused the skyline to turn slightly hazy.
Aminudidn also advised the people not to carry out open burning due to the dry weather.
On a separate matter, Aminuddin said the state-level Hari Raya open house will be held on May 7 at the Seremban City Hall (MBS) with state ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir being the guest of honour.
The state-level Malaysia Madani event will also be held at the same time. Some 15,000 people are expected to attend the events, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
