Six areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality as of 8am today, with the air quality monitoring station at the Serian District Police Headquarters recording the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 408.
According to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Kuching recorded an API reading of 407, followed by Samarahan at 372, Sri Aman at 361, Sarikei at 333 and Sibu at 309.
Three other areas in Sarawak recorded very unhealthy air quality levels. Mukah registered an API reading of 234, while Bintulu and Samalaju recorded 232 and 225 respectively.
Meanwhile, nine areas recorded unhealthy readings, with the monitoring station at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri recording the highest reading at 187. Miri followed with 180, Kapit 178, Labuan 167 and Limbang 166.
Unhealthy readings were also recorded in Kimanis and Keningau in Sabah, both at 156, while Tawau recorded 132 and Johan Setia in Selangor registered 123.
Across the country, 48 areas were reported to have moderate air quality as of the same period.
Under the API classification, readings between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, while 51 to 100 is considered moderate. Readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and readings above 300 are considered hazardous.
The latest readings highlight the worsening air quality in several parts of Sarawak, where residents are advised to remain aware of local conditions and take appropriate precautions when pollution levels rise.
