Haze alert: Erroneous API readings in Sri Aman yesterday

API readings via MyIPU app for Sri Aman recorded a hazardous level up to 407 as at 5pm, Sept 17.

By Nancy Nais

KUCHING, Sept 18: Department of Environment (DOE) has clarified that there was a technical disruption at API date centre yesterday (Sept 17), resulting in inaccurate Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for Sri Aman district from 1pm to 6pm.

According to DOE’s Strategic Communications Unit statement, the technical disruption at their API data center occurred at 1pm, yesterday.

“DOE has identified the cause of it and will ensure that it does not recur,” the statement said.

Yesterday, the API readings via MyIPU app for Sri Aman recorded a hazardous level up to 407 as at 5pm.

API readings via MyIPU app for Sri Aman as at 7.47pm, which showed different readings.

However, another check at 7.47pm showed a sudden change in the readings, which ‘mysteriously’ dropped to 379 as at 5pm, causing many queries from members of the public.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, between 51 and 100 (moderate), between 101 and 200 (unhealthy), between 201 and 300 (very unhealthy) and more than 301 (hazardous).

DOE thanked the media for the wide coverage on environmental issues concerning the haze, which has become a major concern among the public. — DayakDaily