Penang: Penang may suspend certain outdoor activities, including those at schools, if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches an unhealthy level, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said. He stated that current API readings are at moderate levels, but cautioned that an advisory would be issued to halt or suspend outdoor activities if the situation worsens.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Department of Environment's (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) reported that API readings at several locations in Penang were mostly at moderate levels as of 1 pm today. Minden recorded the highest reading at 103, followed by Seberang Jaya at 96, Seberang Perai at 94, and Balik Pulau at 89.

Chow highlighted the importance of monitoring the situation closely and mentioned that he had been in communication with the State Secretary to receive updates. He noted that outdoor activities at certain schools might be suspended if the air quality deteriorates further. The API classification system categorizes readings of 0 to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and readings above 300 as hazardous.