Malaysia Withholds Smog Index Numbers from Public
6/14/99
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Title: Malaysia Withholds Smog Index Numbers from Public
Source: Reuters
Status: Copyright 1999, contact source for permission to reprint
Date: June 14, 1999
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Environment Department
has ordered officials to withhold from the public an air pollution
index that was used as a warning signal during a smog crisis two
years ago. Who might The department's Air Pollution Index (API),
widely consulted in 1997 when smoke from forest fires largely in
neighbouring Indonesia blanketed much of Southeast Asia, has not been
updated on its website (http:/www.jas.sains.my/doe/api.html) since
May 22.
Department officials said director-general Rosnani Ibrahim had issued
a directive that the API should not be released to the public.
``I have a directive from our director-general not to give out the
API to anyone,'' a department spokesman who asked not to be
identified told Reuters. He said all queries were to be directed to
Rosnani's office.
An aide to Rosnani confirmed the department chief had issued the
order but did not elaborate. Rosnani, who was away from the capital
on work, could not be reached for comment.
The thick cloud of smoke from forest fires during the region's annual
dry spell in 1997 provoked a health scare and frightened away many
tourists.
In recent weeks, new fires have been spotted in Indonesia and hazy
skies have periodically returned to parts of Malaysia and Singapore.
Malaysian officials have dismissed fears that the haze heralds a
recurrence of the smog crisis, saying reduced visibility in Kuala
Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia was normal during the annual dry
season which usually lasts until September.
During the 1997 scare, the API served as the benchmark for air
quality. API readings from 101 to 200 were considered unhealthy, 201
to 300 very unhealthy and 300 to 500 hazardous.
At the height of the crisis in September 1997, the API hit a record
Sarawak state on Borneo island. It exceeded 300 in Kuala Lumpur and
northern Penang, and 200 in Singapore. On May 22, the API was below
50 for most of Malaysia.
Fires in Indonesia in 1997 destroyed five million hectares (12
million acres) of forest, agricultural land and bush, causing $4.4
billion in damage.
Malaysia and Indonesia have vowed to clamp down on open burning, step
up education of residents and pool fire-fighting personnel and
resources.