By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 20: Air quality in Serian plunged into the very unhealthy range today, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching 202 at 4pm, as haze conditions deteriorated across several parts of Sarawak.
The latest readings from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak showed Serian recording the highest API in the State.
Kuching and Lubok Antu also saw air quality worsen significantly, with API readings of 194 and 195 respectively, placing both areas firmly in the unhealthy category.
Samarahan recorded an API of 180, while Lundu registered 183, Sri Aman 178, Tebedu 175, Sarikei 157 and Sibu 146, all within the unhealthy range.
According to the API classification, readings between 101 and 200 fall under the Unhealthy category, while readings from 201 to 300 are classified as Very Unhealthy.
However, several coastal and central divisions continued to record moderate air quality. Bintulu recorded an API of 98, followed by Samalaju at 93 and Miri at 91. Mukah and Lawas each recorded 85, while Bario recorded the State’s lowest API reading at 58.
In a statement today, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said it was taking the hot and dry weather conditions and haze affecting several areas in the State seriously.
The committee, together with relevant agencies, is continuing to closely monitor weather developments, air quality, hotspots, the risk of forest and peatland fires, as well as the status of the State’s water supply resources.
It said prolonged hot and dry conditions could increase the risk of forest, peatland and open-area fires, while also placing pressure on water supply resources.
“In view of this, SDMC will continue to strengthen monitoring, preparedness, as well as prevention and mitigation measures, particularly in high-risk areas,” it said.
With the current haze and hot weather conditions, the public has been advised to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when air quality reaches the unhealthy level or higher.
High-risk groups, including children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart problems, should limit their exposure to polluted air.
Members of the public are also advised to avoid strenuous physical activities and outdoor sports if haze conditions worsen.
Those who need to be outdoors are encouraged to wear appropriate face masks to reduce exposure to polluted airborne particles.
It also reminded the public that open burning is prohibited and urged them to immediately report any fire or open-burning incidents to the authorities.
“The cooperation of all parties is crucial to reducing health risks, fire risks and further deterioration of air quality throughout the haze period,” it said.
SDMC said it would continue working closely with relevant agencies on preparedness efforts, monitoring the situation and implementing prevention and mitigation measures relating to haze, hot weather and fire risks based on prevailing conditions and risk levels. — DayakDaily
