By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 18: The haze situation in Sarawak worsened today, with Kanowit recording the State’s highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 195, followed by Kuching at 190, as 14 locations across the State registered unhealthy air quality levels.
Data released by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) at 10am showed a marked deterioration in air quality compared to Thursday (Sept 17), when only Kuching and Serian recorded unhealthy API readings of 152 and 145 respectively.
Other areas in the unhealthy category were Samarahan (181), IPD Serian (176), Betong (166), Lundu (164), Sibu (162), Tebedu (161), Sarikei (160), Bintulu (155), Sri Aman (153), Mukah (148) and Lubok Antu (101).
The latest readings indicate that haze conditions have intensified over the past 24 hours, with several locations that previously recorded moderate air quality moving into the unhealthy range.
Meanwhile, Kapit recorded a moderate API reading of 98, followed by Samalaju (92), Miri (66), ILP Miri (61), Lawas (55) and Limbang (53).
Bario remained the only monitoring station to register good air quality, with an API reading of 42.
Under Malaysia’s API classification, readings between 101 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy and may pose health risks, particularly to sensitive groups such as children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Authorities have advised the public to limit prolonged outdoor activities, stay hydrated and keep track of the latest air quality updates as haze conditions continue to affect large parts of the State. — DayakDaily
