As forest fires continue to rage in Borneo and also in Brunei-Muara and Belait Districts, Brunei's skies continued to be blanketed by smog as the region is in the grip of a dry season, brought on by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

After weekend forest fires scorched 40 hectares of forest in Belait, another fire is ravaging forests around Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati near Berakas Garrison since Sunday. Firefighters are still battling to control the blaze.

The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations (PM10) in the four districts yesterday were relatively higher than normal, according to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Ministry of Development.

At 6pm yesterday afternoon, the air quality in Brunei-Muara and Temburong was moderate with PSI readings of 92 and 64 respectively. In Tutong and Kuala Belait, the air quality was unhealthy as the PSI readings exceeded 100.

A PSI reading below 50 is good, between 50 and 100 is moderate and above 100 is considered unhealthy.

Young children, elderly and those with respiratory-related illnesses, such as lung and heart diseases and those suffering from asthma, are advised to stay indoors and refrain from outdoor physical activities during the unhealthy air condition. The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation will continue to closely monitor the air quality and from time to time provide updated information and advice on the air quality through the local radio stations and television.

Despite reminders issued by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, open burning activities are still carried out in many locations in the country, especially during evening hours. The department has urged the public to refrain from conducting any open burning activities that will worsen the hazy condition. The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation will continue to closely monitor the air quality and conduct ground surveillance on backyard and open burning activities.

The public can contact the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation for any complaints on open burning through hotlines 8999900 / 8837751 / 8837741 and queries on the air quality by contacting 2383222 extension 514 during office hours. The public can also access and obtain PSI readings online at www.env.gov.bn