KUCHING: The public has been asked to take precautions over high ultraviolet radiation, as represented through the ultraviolet index (UVI).
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the public is advised to reduce their exposure to sunlight especially during the midday period as several areas hit extremely high UVI yesterday.
Petaling Jaya saw readings crossing into the “extreme” levels, with the UVI hitting 12, while Kota Baru, Senai, Bayan Lepas, Sibu and Kota Kinabalu saw mid-day readings staying within the “very high” levels, with the UVI ranging from 8 to 11.
MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip was reported to have said that prolonged exposure of bare skin and the eyes to UV can have negative health effects.
“When the UVI is at a high level, such as readings from 8 to 10 or beyond, unprotected skin can sustain damage within a short while.
“As such, the public is advised to reduce outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm as UV tends to peak during this period.
“Protection can come in the form of protective clothing, hats, sunglasses that filter UV, along with sunblock that has a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30,” said Mohd Hisham, who added UVI is influenced by factors such as the position of the sun and season, cloud cover, ozone content in the atmosphere, the altitude of the location, as well as prevailing atmospheric conditions.
“The public is advised to refer to advisories issued by MetMalaysia through its official channels when planning outdoor activities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak is expected to experience hazy conditions over the next few days as hotspots continue to persist in Kalimantan, said the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
Citing data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre, the board said a total of 1,756 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan from Aug 1 to 6, including 905 in the last three days.
In the same period, 18 hotspots were detected in Sarawak, with only six in the last three days.
NREB also said MetMalaysia’s haze movement report issued yesterday forecast hazy conditions in parts of western and central Sarawak to last until today.
“The current southwest monsoon period and increasing biomass burning beyond Sarawak’s borders can contribute to transboundary haze and deteriorating air quality,” it said in a statement.
The board said air quality in Sarawak had shown a rising trend in air pollutant index (API) readings since Aug 1.
According to the Environment Department’s API management system, Kuching, Samarahan and Serian recorded unhealthy API readings of 152, 151 and 163 respectively at 5pm yesterday, while 10 other stations recorded moderate readings between 59 and 91.
NREB reminded the public not to conduct open burning activities which can pollute the air, with offenders liable to be charged under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance and fined RM100,000, jailed five years or both upon conviction.
Open burning cases can be reported to the nearest NREB office or its hotline at 082-447 488/082-319 500, with confidentiality protected under Section 38 of the same Ordinance.
