GEORGE TOWN: A brief drizzle over parts of Penang has brought relief from several days of haze, with air quality across the state improving to moderate levels.
As of 2.30pm on Wednesday (Aug 26), all four Environment Department air monitoring stations in the state recorded moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Balik Pulau at 75, Gelugor at 78, Seberang Jaya at 73 and Simpang Ampat at 83.
An API reading of 51 to 100 is classified as moderate, while readings of 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy.
On Tuesday (Aug 25), all four stations recorded elevated unhealthy-level readings.
Several other stations in the country continue to record unhealthy API readings, namely Sri Aman (163), IPD Serian (163), Samarahan (162), Nilai (160), Cheras (157), Putrajaya (156), Seremban (155), Shah Alam (154), Johan Setia (154), Batu Muda (148) and Tangkak (115).
The haze situation has affected several parts of Malaysia since early this month, with prolonged dry weather during the Southwest Monsoon contributing to poorer air quality and increasing the risk of fires and haze.
The rain provided a temporary respite, but authorities have warned that dry conditions could persist, potentially causing haze to worsen again.
The public has been advised to monitor API readings and reduce outdoor activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
