KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Environment Department (DOE) is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones to monitor peat soil fires in Mukim Beris Lalang, Bachok.
Its director Wan Aminordin Wan Kamaruddin said drones are deployed before action to extinguish fires is carried out.
"Kelantan DOE, in collaboration with other agencies including the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department, constantly monitors the air quality throughout the state, especially in the peat fire zone of Mukim Beris Lalang.
"Patrols have been carried out every day for the past two weeks, besides aerial monitoring using UAVs," he told Bernama on Monday (April 17).
Meanwhile, Wan Aminordin said the air pollution index (API) reading in Kota Baru dropped to a moderate level of 93 as at 11am on Monday compared to the unhealthy level of 104 recorded on Sunday (April 16).
Wan Aminordin said the drop in API was due to rain in several areas on Sunday evening.
"The hot weather in Kelantan for the past three weeks is one of the factors that caused the increase in API, apart from other factors including particles from smoke and dust, peat fires and open burning.
"During uncertain air quality conditions, we advise the public to reduce or postpone outdoor activities to avoid the effect of haze on health.
He also warned the public to refrain from open burning that will affect the existing air quality. – Bernama
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