BruneiDirect.com - Bandar Seri Begawan - A slightly hazy condition was experienced yesterday with the air quality registered as "moderate" at 5pm as the number of hotspots in Borneo dropped.

The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations (PMIO) in the four districts were relatively higher than normal, with the highest PSI reading of 91 recorded yesterday (for the period of 24 hours until 5pm), the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation said in 'a statement yesterday.

PSI reading below PSI 50 is good and PSI 50-PSI 100 is moderate.

The Department said yesterday that based on the report from the Asean Meterological Centre, the number of hotspots observed in the southwestern part of Borneo, has decreased from 370 to around 160 hotspots.

The Department again advised the public to refrain from conducting any open burning activities and other actions that might result in bush fires. The public is also advised to immediately report any bush fires to the Fire and Rescue Department.

The public can contact the Department for any query at 2383222 ext 514 during office hours.

Meanwhile, a Meteorological Service official said yesterday that the visibility ranged from four to six kilometres at the international airport yesterday compared to five kilometres on Sunday.

Bruneians should expect hazy days over the next few days. According to the Meteorological Service website, the hazy condition is expected to persist but possible improvement is likely from tomorrow when a break in the prevailing southwest monsoon sets in, accompanied by a shift in the low level winds and occasional evening thundershowers.

The Meteorological Service officer said the haze was cleared by winds from 8.30am to 12 noon yesterday.

Asked if the country is experiencing a dry month, the weather official said normally February to March is the dry season.

"As for this month, we don't refer to it as a dry month as there are still thundershowers, though on most of the days for this month, we experience no rain. Basically, there is less rain in Borneo at this time."

The Meteorological Service said yesterday that the visibility dropped to its lowest level from 9am to 5.30pm on Sunday at three kilometres, but constantly improved to four kilometres at 9pm on Sunday and to six kilometres yesterday morning.

The Meteorological Service said that a total of 163 hotspots were detected in Borneo until 5pm on Sunday. In Sumatra, only 41 hotspots were recorded. Figures for Monday will only be available today as they would only be updated last night.

The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, in a statement released on Sunday, said the PSI readings recorded at all air quality monitoring stations (PM10) in all districts were higher than normal, with the highest being 74 as of 5pm. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin