BANDAR SRI BEGAWAN, Sept 8 (NNN-BORNEO BULLETIN) – Despite heavy rain in some parts of the Brunei-Muara District yesterday afternoon, the haze condition continues to persist in the country.
A joint press statement released by the Department of Environment, said that the hazy conditions are due to predominant hot spots occurring in the Borneo region and carried over to Brunei by the prevailing southwesterly winds.
Satellite images from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 518 hot spots yesterday, scattered mostly in the southern and western parts of Borneo.
As of 4.00 pm yesterday, the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings were 53 for the Brunei-Muara District, 67 for the Belait District, 61 for the Tutong District and 37 for the Temburong District.
A PSI reading below 50 indicates good air quality, while 50-100 is moderate.
The Ministry of Health advised the public that at PSI readings 50-100, minor health effects such as coughs, eye irritation and runny noses may be experienced, while children with asthma, lung and heart diseases are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities.
