PETALING JAYA: Just because two countries are situated next to each other it does not automatically mean their ultraviolet index (UVI) will be the same at any given point of time, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Its director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said geographical location, ozone layer thickness, weather conditions and atmospheric factors such as cloud cover and pollution can affect the intensity of ultraviolet rays hitting the Earth’s surface.
“Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs most of the UV radiation that would otherwise reach the Earth’s surface, and ozone levels vary depending on the day and location. Additionally, cloud cover can attenuate UV radiation, resulting in a lower UVI, while higher pollution in the atmosphere can lead to decreased UV intensity.
“Given all these factors can vary significantly between two adjacent locations, it is expected UVI recorded in Malaysia and Singapore can differ markedly,” he said when contacted yesterday.In the last few days,
MetMalaysia’s website revealed a healthy reading of between UVI 0 and UVI 2, while Singapore’s UVI registered a high reading of between 6 and 8.Muhammad Helmi also gave his assurance that instruments used to measure the UVI in Malaysia are internationally recognised and calibrated regularly.
He said the instruments are placed at six places nationwide, namely in Kota Baru, Bayan Lepas, Petaling Jaya, Senai, Sibu and Kota Kinabalu, adding that they provide the UVI on a real-time basis.
“Over Malaysia and Singapore, in cloudy conditions, the UVI is estimated to be in the range of 3 to 7. In hot and cloudless conditions, the UV intensity can reach an Index range of 13 to 17.”
The UVI data on MetMalaysia’s official website, according to Muhammad Helmi, is updated every 20 minutes to ensure users have access to the most up-to-date information about UV radiation levels.
In light of the current hot weather, he said the maximum UVI could go between 8 and 15, which indicates unhealthy levels, especially from 11am to 3pm.
“An index of 11 and higher is categorised as extreme. March and April are the months with the highest UVI in Malaysia compared with other months,” he said.
He added that it is important for the public to take precautions to protect themselves from extreme UV radiation.
“This includes staying indoors during peak sunlight hours, usually between 11am to 3pm, when UV radiation is the strongest.
“When outdoors, wear sunscreen, protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection, and seek shade whenever possible, especially during midday hours,” he said.
