PUTRAJAYA, April 2 — The seven air quality monitoring stations near the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights yesterday have not shown abnormalities in the area.
Environment Department (DOE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said staff is monitoring surrounding areas including Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, which is the nearest affected residential area.
“Air quality monitoring using CEREX gas detectors at the nearest location has been installed to monitor the current air quality status.
“Air quality monitoring stations are still at a moderate level and have not shown abnormal air pollutant index (API) readings following the incident,” he said in a statement here today.
Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 58 as at noon today, while the API in Shah Alam recorded a reading of (53), Petaling Jaya (46), Klang (56), Cheras (52), Johan Setia (54), and Batu Muda Kuala Lumpur (50).
An API reading of 0 to 50 is good, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and 300 and above is hazardous.
Wan Abdul Latiff said air quality monitoring using CEREX was done at SK Putra Heights 2, an area identified as a sensitive receiver, about 2km from the incident site.
“Monitoring readings up to noon found no toxic gases, with air quality still normal.
“The DOE has increased enforcement actions and monitoring activities via land and air using drones as well as monitoring the API readings from time to time,” he said, adding that the department is coordinating moves with several agencies.
The API recorded on the DOE’s website at noon today showed 46 stations logged good air quality and 22 stations recorded moderate air quality.
The latest hourly API readings can be viewed on the DOE website or via the official MyJAS EQMS app on Google Play.
The public is also advised to visit the Health Ministry website for advice and preventive measures during haze.
— Bernama
