KUALA LUMPUR – The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will spring into action once the Air Pollution Index (API) reading exceeds 150 for a period of more than 24 hours, said Department of Environment (DoE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar.
This means that Nadma will activate the Disaster Management Committee at district, state or central levels, among other initiatives in the updated National Haze Action Plan (PTJK).
“In addition, all activities outside the classroom will be stopped when the API reading goes beyond 100. Schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately when the API reading exceeds 200.
“So, schools, kindergartens and nurseries are required to monitor the API readings,” he said in a statement.
“If the API readings increase towards 200, affected schools, kindergartens and nurseries need to prepare to temporarily close their premises. Cloud seeding operations (OPA) will be carried out subject to the presence of clouds and suitable weather at an API reading above 150 for a period of more than 24 hours.
Eleven stations recorded API readings at unhealthy levels yesterday. These places are Batu Muda and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur; Putrajaya; Petaling Jaya, Johan Setia, Shah Alam, Klang and Banting in Selangor; and Seremban, Nilai and Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan, he added. – October 3, 2023