Making a point: Participants wearing face masks to protect themselves from the haze during the walkathon.

Organisers should postpone their events if the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings are recorded above 200, said Global Environ-ment Centre (GEC) director Faizal Parish.

He said this at an interview at SP Setia Bhd’s Setia Eco Walkathon yesterday.

Faizal said the walkathon went on as planned as the API reading was at 95 the night before the event.

“If API readings are above 200, it is best not to hold outdoor activities.

“Drink plenty of water and wear a face mask, especially those suffering from asthma,” he said.

GEC is a Malaysian non-profit organisation which has been working in haze affected Asean countries over the past 15 years to develop practical solutions to the regional haze crisis.

The organisation provides technical advice to the Environmental Department, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and Forestry Department.

It has set up a booth at the walkathon to increase awareness on their “Stop the Haze” campaign.

GEC is conducting daily patrols at peat forests with another non-profit organisation Sahabat Hutan Gambut to check on peat fires, which are difficult to extinguish.

It also has a community-based peatland fire prevention programme to promote sustainable management of peatland bio-diversity in Southeast Asia.