Haze Due To Open Burning In Sumatra

Haze Due To Open Burning In Sumatra

4 October 2007

published by www.bernama.com.my

PENANG, Oct 4 (Bernama) — Penang was shrouded in haze today with visibility limited to between four and seven kilometres because of open burning in Sumatra, Indonesia.

A Penang Meterological Department spokesman said it was made worse by the stable atmosphere which prevented floating dust particles from moving higher.

“When the atmosphere is stable, the air at the top and bottom do not mix, preventing cloud formation to produce rainfall,” he told Bernama here today.

He said the haze in the state was medium and not serious as the condition would improve with a change in wind direction to form clouds and rainfall.

As at 11am, the Air Pollutant Index (API) in Seberang Jaya was at 77 with visibility of four kilometres followed by Perai at 63 with visibility of five kilometres.

“Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) had API of 59 with visibility of seven kilometres. The API will change from time to time according to the weather,” he said.

API readings over 100 are categorised as unhealthy.

The spokesman said although the API was moderate, the public should refrain from open burning as it could worsen the situation.