Serian recorded a staggering Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 495 this morning, placing the Sarawak district at a hazardous level as haze continues to worsen across the state.
Checks on the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Serian was the only area in Malaysia to record a hazardous API reading above 300 as of 7am today.
The situation was also severe in several other parts of Sarawak, with Kuching recording an API of 289, followed by Samarahan at 265 and Sri Aman at 250 — all classified as very unhealthy.
Meanwhile, six other areas in the state recorded unhealthy readings. Sarikei recorded 181, Sibu 174, Mukah 169, Bintulu 159, Samalaju 153 and ILP Miri 149.
The worsening air quality comes as cloud-seeding operations are being carried out in areas affected by poor air quality, particularly locations where API readings have exceeded 150, as well as areas surrounding dams where water levels are falling.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was previously reported as saying the cloud-seeding operations were being conducted through cooperation between the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
