Probe under way after spike in ‘unhealthy’ air quality

 The environment department said the Batu Muda station in Kuala Lumpur had recorded an 'unhealthy' air quality level of 150 while nearby Cheras had recorded moderate air quality of about 60.

The environment department said drones were also being used to help identify possible sources of air pollution including open burning in the surrounding areas. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The environment department is conducting an investigation into a significant difference in air pollution readings at between two places in Kuala Lumpur.

In Batu Muda, near Batu Caves, air quality has been recorded at the unhealthy level of 150 for the past two days, compared to moderate air pollution reading of about 60 at nearby Cheras.

The environment department said an investigation began on Nov 14, involving inspections of monitoring stations, field patrols and efforts to identify sources of pollution in the surrounding areas, Bernama reported.

In a statement today, the department said additional equipment had been installed near the Batu Muda station to obtain supporting data for technical analysis, with preliminary findings to be announced after 24 hours of monitoring and completion of the technical review.

“Drone-based air monitoring is also being conducted to help identify possible sources of air pollution, including open burning activities in the surrounding areas,” the statement said.

“Initial inspections found that the station was operating properly. However, further reviews are being conducted to verify the readings recorded. Patrols identified two small-scale open burning incidents, and both fires were extinguished on the same day,” the statement said.

The public were reminded not to engage in open burning or allow their land and premises to be used for open burning, which is an offence punishable with a fine of up to RM1 million or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. - FMT