Air quality in nine areas across Sarawak reached unhealthy levels as of 9am today, with Kuching recording the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 167.
Data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Samarahan and Serian recording readings of 163, followed by Sarikei and Bintulu at 157.
Sri Aman recorded an API reading of 154, while Mukah and Sibu each registered 151. Samalaju recorded a reading of 126, placing all nine locations in the unhealthy category.
Meanwhile, 46 areas recorded moderate air quality with API readings between 51 and 100, while another 13 locations recorded good air quality with readings below 50.
Under the API classification, readings from zero to 50 indicate good air quality, while 51 to 100 is considered moderate. Readings between 101 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are deemed hazardous.
The API readings are updated hourly based on data from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide, allowing authorities to keep track of changes in air quality.
The Department of Environment (DOE) previously said the deterioration was linked to haze moving in from different directions, following a significant number of hotspots detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia.
According to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), satellite imagery detected 150 hotspots in Kalimantan and 11 in Sumatra, while 25 hotspots were recorded in Malaysia, including 22 in Sarawak and three in Sabah.
In response, the DOE activated the National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) to coordinate immediate measures among government agencies.
Under the haze action plan, measures will be implemented according to API levels. The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) may activate disaster management committees at district, state or federal levels if readings remain above 150 for more than 24 hours.
Cloud seeding operations may also be carried out if API readings exceed 150 for more than 24 hours, subject to suitable cloud formation and weather conditions. Residents are advised to remain alert as air quality can change rapidly during prolonged haze conditions.
