The number of areas in Sarawak recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings has increased to nine as of 6am today, signalling a further deterioration in air quality across the state.
According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), the highest unhealthy reading was recorded at the Serian District Police Headquarters (IPD Serian), with an API of 176.
Kuching followed with a reading of 160, while Samarahan recorded 158. Sibu and Sri Aman both registered readings of 156.
Other areas also classified as having unhealthy air quality were Sarikei at 155, Mukah at 154, Bintulu at 145 and Samalaju at 120.
Meanwhile, four monitoring stations recorded moderate readings, namely Miri at 95, the Miri Industrial Training Institute (ILP Miri) at 91, Limbang at 81 and Kapit at 73.
The latest readings indicate that air quality in several parts of Sarawak has continued to deteriorate compared with previous days.
The worsening haze has been linked to transboundary haze, with smoke believed to have drifted from areas experiencing open burning activities and hotspots in neighbouring countries.
With several locations now recording unhealthy readings, members of the public are advised to reduce outdoor activities, particularly strenuous physical activities, while air quality remains poor.
The public is also urged to avoid open burning and report any detected burning activities to the relevant authorities to help prevent the haze situation from worsening.
