KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised to refer to official Air Pollutant Index (API) readings to determine actual air quality rather than relying on surrounding conditions alone.
Department of Environment (DoE) deputy director-general (development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said API readings were based on measurements of air pollutants taken using specialised equipment.
She said the readings served as an important guide for the public to take appropriate steps to protect their health.
She said thick-looking haze did not necessarily indicate high levels of air pollution, as visibility was also affected by weather, humidity and the refraction of light by particles in the atmosphere.
"Sometimes we see the haze looking very thick, but the API reading is still at a moderate level.
"This happens because what we see with the naked eye does not necessarily reflect the actual level of air pollution.
"What we see is actually also influenced by weather, humidity and how the particles refract light," she said when contacted by Berita Harian today.
Continuous fires in Indonesia, which had shrouded several parts of Southeast Asia in toxic haze, had triggered the highest-level alert by Asean's regional climate and fire monitoring centre.
https://www.nst.com.my/world/region/2026/10/1557413/haze-triggers-highest-alert-level-southern-asean-region
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre issued the highest-level alert amid a high risk of severe transboundary haze in the region.
Meanwhile, Azuri Azizah said the DoE had carried out 3,433 monitoring and enforcement actions nationwide as of Oct 18 as part of efforts to control air pollution and prevent open burning.
She said agencies coordinated their response under the National Haze Action Plan, with the National Disaster Management Agency activating the Disaster Management Committee if API readings exceeded 150 for more than 24 hours.
She said the department had also stepped up preparedness through the implementation of the National Haze Action Plan and the National Open Burning Action Plan.
She said the integrated measures included monitoring API readings, detecting fire hotspots, tracking transboundary haze and increasing patrols and enforcement in areas at risk of open burning.
"This information helps the DoE assess the current situation and identify areas that need attention, especially high-risk areas such as peatland, landfill sites, agricultural areas and plantations," she said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd