PETALING JAYA: Selangor will strengthen efforts to tackle the haze situation, including coordinating action among agencies at state and district level.
Public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said this was in line with calls from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to have continuous air quality surveillance, preventive measures and agency preparedness.
"The priority of the state government is to protect the health and safety of the rakyat, especially children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with heart and respiratory issues," she said in a statement on Facebook on Friday (Oct 16).
She said based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at 1pm on Friday, Johan Setia and Klang recorded readings of 187 and 181, respectively.
Four other areas recorded unhealthy readings, namely Petaling Jaya (174), Shah Alam (172), Banting (168) and Kuala Selangor (155).
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"All agencies involved must continuously monitor the current situation, share technical information and take action according to their jurisdiction.
"This includes monitoring API readings, weather developments, open burning risks and the possibility of worsening air pollution in risky areas," Jamaliah said.
The agencies include the Environment Department, local councils, Fire and Rescue Department, Health Department and Education Department.
Jamaliah said monitoring and enforcement actions would be stepped up in at-risk places such as peat soil areas, hotspots and landfills.
"Strict action will be taken against any unlawful open burning activities," she added.
Jamaliah also advised parents and school officials to stay alert.
"Everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, should reduce outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy," she said.
