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🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

Selangor bans open burning and will close schools if air quality index exceeds 200

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Selangor has prohibited open burning and will intensify enforcement as air quality worsens across the Malaysian state.
  • Six areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings, ranging from 155 to 180 at 11 a.m.
  • Schools, kindergartens and childcare centres will close if the index exceeds 200, while authorities may distribute face masks in the worst-affected areas.

Selangor has banned open burning as the Malaysian state steps up monitoring and enforcement amid worsening air quality. Jamaliah Jamaluddin, chairwoman of the state’s public health and environment committee, said authorities would take firm action against anyone who violated the ban.

“Open burning is prohibited. Stern action will be taken against any party found carrying out open burning in accordance with the laws in force,” she said in a statement issued on Sept. 6.

The state government is treating a renewed rise in Air Pollutant Index readings seriously and has strengthened agency preparations for the haze. At 11 a.m., six areas recorded unhealthy levels: Johan Setia at 180, Shah Alam at 168, Petaling Jaya at 157, and Klang, Banting and Kuala Selangor at 155 each.

Open burning is prohibited. Stern action will be taken against any party found carrying out open burning in accordance with the laws in force.

· Jamaliah JamaluddinThe Selangor public health and environment committee chairwoman warned that authorities would enforce the state’s open-burning ban.

The Environment Department, local councils, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the state health and education departments will intensify monitoring, particularly for open burning. Schools, kindergartens and childcare centres must follow measures linked to API readings. “If the API reading exceeds 200, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres will be closed in accordance with the directives of the authorities,” Jamaliah said.

Residents were advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activity and stay indoors when air quality is unhealthy. Children, older people, pregnant women and those with heart or respiratory illnesses were urged to limit physical and outdoor activity at unhealthy readings. People who must go outside were advised to consider suitable face masks, while the state disaster management committee is prepared to provide masks through district committees, prioritizing areas with the highest readings. Authorities will continue reviewing technical updates before deciding on further measures if air quality deteriorates.

If the API reading exceeds 200, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres will be closed in accordance with the directives of the authorities.

· Jamaliah JamaluddinShe set out the threshold that would trigger closures during unhealthy air conditions.
About this summary

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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