KUCHING: Malaysia is to fully adopt the Air Pollutant Index (API) calculation system based on fine particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 in microns in diameter (PM2.5) by the end of next year.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that at present, upgrading work on the system was being carried out at 53 air quality monitoring stations still using the PM10 system.

The upgrading work is expected to be completed by April 2017, he said.

The minister said 12 new air quality monitoring stations would also be built, bringing the total number of stations to adopt the PM2.5 system to 65.

“I hope by April next year the upgrading work will be completed and that Malaysia can fully adopt the PM2.5 system by end of the year,” he said.

Wan Junaidi was met after presenting 40 cows for korban (sacrifice) during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha, to various mosques in the Santubong constituency here today.