A view of the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque and buildings in the capital as the haze continues to shroud the sky of Brunei Darussalam. BT/Zaim Kasmat
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI remains under the cover of haze despite the slight reduction in Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings at 4pm yesterday.
According to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Tutong had the highest PSI reading of 60, followed by Belait and Brunei-Muara with 57 and 52 respectively.
Temburong’s air quality was considered “good” after a reading of 26.
The department explained that PSI readings below 50 are good, while readings between 50 to 100 are moderate.
JASTRe added that the PSI readings recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations in the four districts were relatively higher than normal.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) advised the public that healthy individuals may be able to carry out outdoor physical activities with “moderate” PSI readings, but children, elderly and people with asthma, lung and heart diseases are urged to reduce outdoor physical activities. The public were also advised to drink plenty of water and visit the nearest health centre, if they show symptoms, such as coughs, runny nose, eye irritation and breathing difficulties.
JASTRe also warned the public that open burning and other similar activities may worsen the haze conditions.
The public can contact JASTRe for complaints on open burning and queries on the air quality by contacting the Darussalam Hotline 123 or 2241262 extension 405 during office hours.
Bush and forest fires must be reported to the Fire and Rescue Department at 995.
For enquiries related to health information, the public can contact MoH at 145 or visit www.moh.gov.bn. -Abdul Aziz Ismail