Azlan Othman (Borneo Bulletin)

BRUNEI is currently shrouded in haze due to the presence of hotspots in the western and northern parts of Borneo.

The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre has reported a number of hotspots where on July
30, 562 hotspots were recorded compared to 62 hotspots on July 29 and 180 hotspots on July 28.

The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations (PM 10) in the four districts since July 28 till July 30 were relatively higher than normal (i.e. in the range of PSI 28 to PSI 69 compared to the average of below PSI 25 on normal days).

Yesterday (Friday), the air quality in Brunei-Muara and Tutong was good with the highest recorded PSI reading being 48 and 47 respectively. In Temburong and Belait, the quality was moderate with the highest recorded PSI reading 57 and 61 respectively, for the period of 24 hours till 5pm the latest.

PSI reading below 50 is good and between 50-100 is moderate. PSI reading above 100 is considered unhealthy.

Surveillance carried out by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation over the past few
days has shown that open burning is carried-out in many locations in the sultanate especially in the evening.
The public is urged to refrain from open burning that may worsen the hazy condition. The Department will continue to closely monitor the air quality and conduct ground surveillance on backyard and open burning activities.

The public can contact the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation for any complaints on open burning through Hotlines 8999900 / 8837751 / 8837741 and query on air quality by contacting 2382222 ext 514 during the normal office hours. The public can also access and obtain the PSI readings online at www.env.gov.bn.

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