Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on PM2.5 concentrations in Malaysia: article

The 2019 coronavirus novel (2019-nCoV) outbreak that initially in Wuhan, China has spread around the world including Malaysia on January 25th , 2020 which was the starting point for pandemic in the country. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on PM2.5 concentrations in Malaysia where data of Air Quality Index (API) is obtained from DOE and divided into three timelines, i.e., 20 days before MCO, during MCO and during phase 6 of MCO which was known as CMCO. The data then is compared between timeline to identify and evaluate the changes in variation of PM2.5 concentrations that determine the air quality status in every region of Malaysia. It was found that MCO implemented by Malaysian Government has indirectly reduced the concentration of air pollution level noticeably at the end of phase 3 of MCO where there was decline in vehicle uses and operation of industrial activities was prohibited. The reduction of PM2.5 concentrations can be observed in more than 50% of whole monitoring stations during MCO was implemented in the whole regions. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) concentrations started to rise back in some areas placed under CMCO significantly in the North and Central regions where more flexibilities were given to public to carry out activities during this period. This study could provide insight on the major contribution of air pollution from man-made activities primarily economic sectors and vehicular emissions.