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Haze: We are getting choked, say netizens
PETALING JAYA: The haze is showing a return and be an irritating part of our lifestyle in the coming weeks. Along with it, the haze brings health concerns for Malaysians.
Facebook user Melissa Kin Wai Cheng said that the haze in Cheras is really bad and that she is having breathing difficulties.
“If an adult is choking on the haze, how about the elderly and the kids,” she asked.
Lita Macpherson says that the heat and the haze is a combination for disaster.
“My daughter keeps having asthma attacks,” writes the worried mother.
“The haze is really bad in Cheras. I have a bad cough and many kids at my preschool are having health problems, such as, fever, cough, and breathing problems,” said netizen Kow Elainee.
At 4pm Tuesday, Nilai has an air API (air pollutant index) reading of 106, followed by Banting (126), Port Klang (108), Batu Muda (125) and Putrajaya (112).
Other areas close to unhealthy levels are Shah Alam (93), Cheras (92), Petaling Jaya (89), Seremban (87), Port Dickson (86), and Kuala Selangor (82).
An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and 301 and above (hazardous).
Veronica Rani Marianatha also complained about suffering from a flu and fever and attributed her sickness to the poor air quality in Subang Jaya.
“The doctor told me that if I need to walk outside to use a mask,” said Veronica.
Even the heart of Kuala Lumpur is “hidden” in a blanket of haze.
“There’s a bad view of the city skyline due to haze, a bad smoky smell, and everyone is falling sick. People are getting eye irritation, dry throat and cough,” said Vithya Sinnappoo.
Johnny Yeow said that the haze is really bad around Hartamas and Mont Kiara, and that the smoky smell in the air is really prominent.
Yeow even claims to have seen a few birds “fall dead” on the road.
Several netizens believe that all schools and outdoor activities should be postponed due to the unhealthy atmosphere.
“It’s so hazy and unhealthy. Please consider postponing schools, colleges, university and outdoor activities,” writes Agnes NL Chin.
Eglyphco Mike agrees that schools should be closed and that those who have sensitive nose should stay at home and wear masks when they go out.
“Time to stock up on your Claranese (medication) people! Especially those who have sinus problem,” writes Yee San Low.
Netizen Dura Zaman agrees that the haze is bad, but believes that Malaysians are partly to blame for the poor air quality.
“We shouldn’t burn our forests just for the sake of development. The haze is here because of irresponsible people who are out to make the maximum profit for themselves,” said Dura.
The API reading could change due to shifting wind conditions. The Department of Environment issues hourly API reading on its website.
The API is calculated based on five major air pollutants, namely Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ground Level Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and particulate matter with a diameter below 10 micrometers (PM10). |
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