• Today: September 6, 2026

Brunei-Muara air quality still unhealthy

Air quality in Brunei-Muara District deteriorated to unhealthy levels on Friday morning, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) rising sharply from 79 at 9am to 104 at 11am.

The latest figures from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) showed Brunei-Muara was the only district to record unhealthy air quality at 11am. Belait remained moderate at 98, followed by Tutong at 82 and Temburong at 79. 

The readings marked a turnaround from 9am, when all four districts recorded moderate air quality. At the time, Belait registered the country’s highest PSI at 80, while Brunei-Muara and Temburong both stood at 79 and Tutong at 73. 

Between 9am and 11am, Brunei-Muara’s PSI rose by 25 points, while Belait increased by 18 points and Tutong by nine. Temburong remained unchanged at 79.

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

JASTRe said air quality reporting in the Sultanate has been enhanced since September 1 to incorporate PM2.5 concentrations into PSI calculations. The fine particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. 

PSI readings will continue to be issued five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm throughout the hazy period. 

With Brunei-Muara reaching the unhealthy range, the Ministry of Health advised the public 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 those with existing heart or respiratory conditions should avoid such activities. Those experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. 

The public is also reminded to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions. Bush and forest fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department through emergency line 995, while complaints regarding open burning and requests for health information can be directed to Talian Darussalam 123. 

The latest deterioration follows several days of fluctuating air quality across the country, with haze continuing to affect parts of Brunei.

Haze blankets parts of Brunei-Muara District on September 3 as air quality deteriorates. – PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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