Air quality: Larkin, Batu Pahat residents urged to stay indoors

Ling (left) and Johor tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar in Larkin.

JOHOR BARU: The public are advised to reduce outdoor activities after unhealthy air quality levels were recorded in two districts in Johor.

State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that as of 2pm on Sunday (Oct 1), Larkin and Batu Pahat recorded an unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings of 156 and 115 respectively.

All hospitals and health clinics in the state, especially Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), have also made preparations to receive any patients affected by the haze, said Ling.

"I recently visited a few areas in Larkin together with Johor tourism, environment, heritage, and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar following the spike in API readings in the area.

"We advise the public to reduce outdoor activities and drink more water. Those who have asthma or breathing difficulties should wear facemasks at all times.

"All schools have also been advised to cancel outdoor activities and continue with the normal teaching and learning process," he said on Sunday.

Ling added that the cancellation of outdoor school activities is in line with the Education Ministry circular that states that such activities are prohibited if the API readings exceed 101.