GEORGE TOWN, Oct 5 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Omar Osman said they are opened an operations room some weeks ago to monitor the haze affecting Penang. He said in the statement on Sunday that in view of the deteriorating situation, he have advised students and the USM community not to hold outdoor activities at the university’s campuses in Penang, Bertam, Nibong Tebal and Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
According to the Department of Environment’s website, the air pollutant index (API) reading for USM rose from 159 at 8 am to 162 at 9 am today, while that for Seberang Jaya rose to 166 at 9 am from 162 at 8 am. The API reading for Perai at 8 am was 137 and rose to 140 at 9 am. An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous.
Omar said the university had also issued a haze management guideline which could be accessed at www.pusatsejahtera.usm.my. He said all outdoor activities involving USM students and staff must cease when the API reading reaches 130 while lectures would not be conducted if the level goes up to 200.
