Office alert: Singapore and Malaysia haze readings

Singapore's National Environment Agency's (NEA) latest haze situation update finds that the PSI for the next 24 hours is forecast to be in the Moderate range. However, it may enter the 'unhealthy' range if the winds turn unfavourable and the haze situation in Sumatra persists.

For employers, this could possibly mean tackling more allergies and coughs in the office - given the short-term impacts of haze include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat in healthy individuals. However, such irritation resolves on its own in most cases, per the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Here's where you can track Singapore's live air quality - the status as of 9am on 13 Sep is below:

 

Per the NEA, given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy persons should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.

Update on Malaysia air quality

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, latest air pollutant index (API) readings show the following data (as of 9am-10am, 13 September):

1. Kuala Lumpur (Batu Muda) - 152
2. Kuala Lumpur (Cheras) - 142
3. Selangor (Petaling Jaya) - 139
4. Selangor (Shah Alam) - 135
5. Johor (Batu Pahat) - 100
6. Johor (Pasir Gudang) - 86
7. Sarawak (Kuching) - 80
8. Perak (Tasek Ipoh) - 116
9. Perak (Pegoh Ipoh) - 101
10. Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) - 124
11. Melaka (Bandaraya Melaka) - 102

For reference, the readings from Malaysia reflect the following scale:

• Good: 0 - 50
• Moderate: 51 - 100
• Unhealthy: 101 - 200
• Very Unhealthy: 201 - 300
• Hazardous: Above 300

Here's where you can track Malaysia's live air quality.

The infographic below by MoH provides some precautions to take if the haze levels rise:

 

Photo / 123RF