Activities Report 1999 Sept Newsletter
A need for both API and qualitative readings in the
city
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) appreciates
the move by the Department of Environment (DOE) to explain the air pollutant
index (API) readings with terms such as ‘good’, ‘bad’ or ‘moderate’. This
will definitely make API readings more easily understood by the general
public.
However, API readings are still very
useful to researchers and monitoring agencies and thus should be made readily
available for all, including the public. Readily accessible API readings
will facilitate the research activities in regards to air pollution.
Therefore it is recommended that the
DOE make the API readings readily available together with its qualitative
meanings of ‘good’, ‘bad’ or ‘moderate’. Accurate and precise readings
together with the qualitative terms will make it more beneficial in the
long run. The public and other monitoring agencies need to know the exact
readings of the air quality for both health and research purposes. It is
also important that this information is frequently updated with current
readings.
Furthermore, the Society suggests that
it would be easier for DOE, research agencies and the general public, if
an indicator board is put up in a suitable area in the city for all to
see. Quite a number of cities, such as our neighboring country Indonesia
(with an API display in Jakarta) already have API displays. Other developed
nations also have API readings that are made readily accessible. The former
Commonwealth countdown structure, with its LCD screen, could be a good
place to display the daily readings. Other suitable places such as building
tops could be chosen. The API readings together with its meaning could
then be displayed. The Society also feels that informing the public via
Internet is still needed as many have ready access to the Internet.
Kuala Lumpur, 22 June, 1999
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Created on 3rd Sept 1999