Cheras air quality reaches unhealthy level of 151

The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Cheras reached 151, a level classified as unhealthy, as of 6:00 PM on August 14. The Department of Environment (DOE) for the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur has increased patrols and monitoring in response to the deteriorating air quality.

Authorities attribute the decline in air quality to haze smoke moving from various directions, exacerbated by hot and dry weather conditions that trap dust and particles in the air. Enforcement teams have been deployed to conduct daily patrols to prevent open burning in high-risk areas, including illegal landfills, industrial zones, construction sites, and residential areas.

Under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024), individuals found guilty of open burning face fines between RM25,000 and RM1 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Additional daily fines of up to RM5,000 may be imposed for ongoing offenses. The public is advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear N95 masks when necessary, and stay hydrated.