KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, is closely monitoring possible impacts of the Mount Ruang volcanic eruption to the air quality in this region.
In a statement, it said the eruption could release harmful particles, including volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ashes.
It added that the number of particulate matter (PM) particles observed after a volcanic eruption depends on timing and intensity.
Moreover, it stated that beside the weather conditions, including wind direction also determine the number of PM observations following an eruption.
“Therefore, we are closely monitoring the situation through five Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) namely in Lundu, Tebedu, Lubok Antu, Bario and Lawas.
“Based on the readings obtained from the AQMS since 8am on April 17, it has shown that the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were within the category of Good (0-50) to Moderate (51-100).
“In addition, the API readings from the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia website https://apims.doe.gov.my also indicated that the API in various areas in Sarawak were within the categories of Good to Moderate and there were no unhealthy readings recorded,” it said.
On that note the NREB said the eruption of Mount Ruang has not directly affected the ambient air quality in Sarawak.
It further explained that the current hot weather experienced in most of the areas in Sarawak were due to the inter monsoon (expected to last until May 2024) and the El-Niño phenomena.
“During El-Niño, Malaysia as well as other regions of Southeast Asia, tend to experience prolonged drought.
“Based on the monitoring report released by Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) on Mar 31, the El-Niño condition is expected to last until June 2024.
“As such, the current hot weather is not directly contributed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Ruang,” it said.
In view of the current hot weather, it advised the public to refrain from carrying out open burning as this will further exacerbate the situation.
“The public is advised to report any open burning case to the NREB and DOE,” it said.
