• Today: September 9, 2026

PSI falls in Brunei-Muara while three districts record moderate readings at 2pm

Air quality in Belait District remained at an unhealthy level Tuesday afternoon, while Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Temburong recorded moderate Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings.

At 2pm, Belait recorded a PSI of 103, placing the district within the unhealthy range of 101 to 200.

Brunei-Muara recorded 99, just below the unhealthy threshold, while Tutong stood at 93 and Temburong at 76. 

The latest figures showed an improvement in Brunei-Muara from the 11am reading of 105, which had placed the district at an unhealthy level. Belait also eased from 109 to 103, but remained unhealthy.

Temburong improved from 82 to 76, while Tutong’s reading remained unchanged at 93.

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 are very unhealthy, and those above 300 are hazardous. 

The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Ministry of Development said it continues to closely monitor air quality nationwide and issue PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm throughout the hazy period. 

Since September 1, PM2.5 concentrations have been incorporated into the country’s PSI reporting. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. 

With Belait’s air quality remaining unhealthy, the Ministry of Health advised the public to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities and unnecessary exposure to haze.

Children, older persons and pregnant women should restrict strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities, while those with existing heart or respiratory conditions are advised to avoid them. Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. 

The public is also urged 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 through emergency line 995, while complaints concerning open burning and requests for health information and advice can be directed to Talian Darussalam 123. 

PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

 

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