PUTRAJAYA (April 2): The seven air quality monitoring stations near the location of the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights on Tuesday have not detected any abnormalities in the area.

Department of Environment (DOE) Director General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department is monitoring the 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.

"So far, the air quality monitoring stations are still at a moderate level and have not detected any abnormal air pollutant index (API) readings following the incident," he said in a statement here on Wednesday.

Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 58 as of noon on Wednesday, 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 0-50 is good, 51-100 is moderate, 101-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and 300 and above is hazardous.

Wan Abdul Latiff said air quality monitoring using the Cerex gas detector was carried out at Sekolah Kebangsaan Putra Heights 2, an area identified as a sensitive receiver located about 2km from the incident site.

"Monitoring readings up until noon found that no toxic gases were detected and the air quality level was still normal.

"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 was also coordinating with the relevant agencies to deal with the disaster situation.

The API recorded on the DOE’s website at noon on Wednesday showed 46 stations with good air quality, and 22 stations recorded moderate air quality. No station recorded unhealthy API readings.

The latest hourly API readings can be viewed on the DOE website at the url address http:/leqms.doe.gov.my/ or by downloading the official MyJAS EQMS smartphone application on 'Google Play'.

The public is also advised to visit the Ministry of Health‘s website at www.moh.gov.my for health advice and preventive measures during haze.

Read also: 
Police to investigate contractor in connection with gas pipeline fire at Putra Heights
CIMB, Bank Islam, Etiqa to assist Putra Heights fire incident victims
Putra Heights gas fire scene like a war zone
Petronas to work with authorities to support those affected by Putra Heights fire incident
Selangor MB: Preliminary report on Putra Heights fire expected to be ready in 72 hours
Gas pipeline blaze: Immediate financial aid for over 100 affected residents, says PM
Fire incident in Putra Heights not related to Gas Malaysia facilities, company says
Petronas confirms fire incident at Petronas Gas main pipeline near Puchong 
Massive gas pipeline fire in Puchong — Fire Dept 

Uploaded by Chng Shear Lane