• Today: September 2, 2026

Air quality reaches very unhealthy level in Brunei Muara

Air quality in Brunei-Muara District reached the “very unhealthy” level on Tuesday, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) recording a reading of 219 at 2pm.

The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) reported unhealthy readings in the other three districts. Belait recorded a PSI of 172, followed by Tutong at 159 and Temburong at 142.

Photographs taken across the country showed several areas shrouded in moderately dense haze, reducing visibility and obscuring parts of the skyline.

JASTRe said air quality reporting in Brunei Darussalam had been enhanced from 2pm on September 1 through the inclusion of PM2.5 concentrations in PSI calculations.

The World Health Organisation defines PM2.5 as fine suspended particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. The particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting major organs. Exposure can contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.

During the hazy period, JASTRe will continue monitoring air quality nationwide and issue PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

Under the PSI classification, a reading below 50 is considered good, while 51 to 100 is moderate. Readings between 101 and 200 are unhealthy, those between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy, and readings above 300 are hazardous.

The Ministry of Health advised the public to reduce unnecessary exposure to haze and limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, particularly when air quality deteriorates.

Children, older persons, pregnant women and individuals with existing heart or respiratory conditions were urged to take additional precautions and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms or feel unwell.

The public was also advised to follow health advisories issued by the ministry for further guidance.

Anyone who encounters a bush or forest fire should contact the Fire and Rescue Department immediately through emergency line 995. The public was also urged to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen hazy conditions during the dry period.

Haze obscures Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Hazy conditions across Brunei-Muara District. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Hazy conditions across Brunei-Muara District. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Haze blankets parts of Belait District. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Haze obscures the Tugu Replika Sumbangsih Ciri in Kuala Belait. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/DANIEL LIM

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