Hazy days are here again and we don't like it. It's amazing why we must keep the API figures under wraps; perhaps a throwback to the times that people must be kept in the dark so that those who are in power and the only one to have access to the 'right' information can continue to stay rich and remain in power?

For example, go to NREB (Natural Resource and Environment Board) Sarawak's website and click on "Daily Hotspot, API & FWI Data" or Department of Environment and click on the "Air Pollutant Index" link and see what I mean. Last week the reading was at 'moderate level' and it is blatantly obvious that compared to last week the haze situation has deteriorated quite considerably this week. Our eyes, nose and throats don't lie but needless to say some people obviously do and they don't want you to find this out even though it is quite obvious that we already do. What the heck!

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I suspect we are still living very much in the dark (and hazy) ages ... *sigh* *cough* *sneeze*

From the STAR online
Friday August 11, 2006

Sarawak preparing for any unhealthy haze situation

KUCHING: Sarawak is preparing for an early alert on the haze situation in case the air pollutant index (API) reaches unhealthy levels.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said as of yesterday the air quality in the state was still at a moderate level.

Kota Samarahan registered the highest API of 91 at 7am, followed by Bintulu (89), Kuching (87), Sri Aman (83) and Sibu (66).

An API reading of 51-100 is considered moderate while 101-200 is unhealthy.

“Although the API is still at a moderate level, we are preparing. As soon as it reaches 100 we have to go on early alert.

“So I’m having informal discussions with the relevant agencies to get them ready.

"Just in case it reaches 100, everyone will be prepared,” he told reporters at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Friday.

If the API reaches unhealthy levels, the public should reduce their outdoor activities while all school outdoor activities will be stopped.

Dr Chan also said 18 hotspots were detected in Sarawak on Friday and 181 in Kalimantan.

The hotspots in the state were mostly small -scale burning by farms for padi planting.

“So far in Sarawak we have not detected any plantations being burned,” he said, adding that the Fire and Rescue Department and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) were on full alert to detect and prevent open burning.

In addition, the Meteorological Department is predicting a dry spell between now and mid-September with less-than-average rainfall.

“This month it’s very important to prevent open burning and worsening the situation,” Dr Chan said.

He also hoped that the API reading would not go beyond 100 when National Day comes on Aug 31 as the national-level celebration is due to take place here.

“We will cross that bridge when we come to it, but we hope that we will not come to it.”