• Today: September 8, 2026

Brunei records unhealthy haze levels in two districts

Air quality in Brunei-Muara and Belait reached unhealthy levels on Monday morning as haze conditions continued to affect the country.

According to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings recorded at 9am showed Brunei-Muara at 104 and Belait at 106, both classified as unhealthy.

Temburong recorded a PSI of 95 while Tutong registered 96, with both districts experiencing moderate air quality.

Under the PSI classification, readings below 50 are considered good, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy and readings above 300 hazardous.

JASTRe said air quality reporting in Brunei was enhanced from Sept 1 by incorporating PM2.5 concentrations into PSI reporting.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Haze situation in Brunei this morning at the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge. PHOTO: Mahmud Aziizi

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

The Ministry of Health advised the public to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activity and unnecessary exposure to haze when PSI readings reach unhealthy levels.

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

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

The public is also reminded to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions during the dry period.

Bush and forest fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department at 995, while complaints regarding open burning or requests for health information and advice can be made through the Darussalam Hotline 123.

Further information on PSI readings is available through JASTRe and the Ministry of Health.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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