The eruption of Mount Ruang did not impact Malaysia's air quality.

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent eruption of Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, did not affect the air quality across Malaysia, including in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

According to Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, Director-General of the Department of Environment (DOE), as of 12 noon today, the eruption had no significant effect on the country's air quality based on DOE data.

He mentioned that the ash plume from the eruption did not cause any noticeable changes in the air pollution index (API) readings of local air quality monitoring stations.

"There were no notable increases in readings of suspended particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO)," he informed BH.

A survey conducted by BH on the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS) website around 12:30 PM today revealed that most areas in Peninsular Malaysia reported moderate API readings.

These areas included Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (79); Banting, Selangor (92); Tanah Merah, Kelantan (75); Seberang Jaya, Penang (67); Tasek Ipoh, Perak (65); Alor Setar, Kedah (66); Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan (63); Bukit Rambai, Melaka (76); and Pasir Gudang in Johor (60).

Furthermore, the majority of areas in Sabah and Sarawak recorded good API readings.