Tuesday 25 June 2013

#Haze: Schools close in Manjung district as air quality turns hazardous

Schools in the Manjung district in Perak have closed due to the worsening air quality.

A SMJK Nan Hwa teacher, who declined to named, said schools in the district have been instructed by the district Education Department to close until further notice. .

"All schools will also be closed tomorrow (Wednesday)," she said.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 9am at Seri Manjung was 322, well into the hazardous zone.

Air quality in Perak started deteriorating in Perak as the haze drifted north.

Perak Education, Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Amin Zakaria said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was considering closing public premises.

"Normally, if the API exceeds 300, we will have to close public premises.

"The Mentri Besar has been consulted and is considering this," he told The Star when contacted.

As of 9am, the API reading at Jalan Tasek and Jalan Pegoh in Ipoh were at 144 and 188 respectively

The API at Tanjung Malim is 175 while Kampung Air Puteh, Taiping is 149.

In a statement earlier, Dr Zambry has advised the people to take precaution and to take care of their health as well as their families'.

"The continuity of the haze will have adverse effects on children, senior citizens and those with asthma, bronchitis and chronic lung diseases.

"The people are also advised to seek immediate treatment and advice from the nearest clinic should these symptoms occur and those with high risk of getting sick are to limit their outdoor activities," he said.

"Motorcyclists and those working outdoors should always use face masks," he added.

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