• Today: September 29, 2026

Air quality swings between good and moderate

Air quality in Brunei-Muara and Belait districts at 4pm yesterday were in the moderate range, recording Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings of 56 and 53. Meanwhile, air quality in Temburong and Tutong districts remained in the good range, with PSI readings of 36 and 35.

In stepping up monitoring activities during the hazy period, the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Ministry of Development, enhanced air quality reporting in Brunei Darussalam over the past weeks with the inclusion of PM2.5 concentrations in the PSI since September 1, 2026.

PM2.5 refers to fine suspended particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, as defined by the World Health Organization where these fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing adverse effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

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

The Sultanate’s air quality was generally moderate at 7am yesterday, with PSI readings of 58 in Brunei-Muara, 59 in Belait, 55 in Temburong and 52 in Tutong.

By 11am, air quality had improved to the good range across all four districts, with PSI readings of 39 in Brunei-Muara, 50 in Belait, 28 in Temburong and 27 in Tutong.

PSI readings below 50 is good, between 51-100 moderate, between 101-200 unhealthy, between 201-300 very unhealthy and above 300 hazardous.

The Ministry of Health advised the public to take precautions when PSI readings reach the unhealthy level and to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities and minimise unnecessary exposure to haze.

Children, older persons and pregnant women are advised to restrict strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities, while individuals with existing heart or respiratory conditions are advised to avoid such activities.

Those experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing, are advised to seek medical attention at the nearest health centre or health facility.

Meanwhile, the public was also reminded to contact the Fire and Rescue Department at 995 in the event of bush or forest fires and to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions during the dry period. For complaints regarding open burning activities, or for health information and advice, the public may contact the Darussalam Hotline 123.

Air quality in Brunei-Muara and Belait districts at 4pm yesterday were in the moderate range. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/LYNA MOHAMAD

Venues

BSB

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

Total visitors: 3,720,794 | Today's visitors: 20,408
Updated: 20:31:03