By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 7: Three stations in Sarawak have recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Serian at 162, Kuching at 151, and Samarahan at 149 as of 3pm today, according to the API Management System (APIMS).
This represents an increase in the numbers recorded at 10am today, with Samarahan and Kuching recording readings of 135 and 133, respectively. The reading for the station in Serian was unavailable at that time.
The remaining stations in the State recorded moderate readings, with Sarikei topping at 91, Bintulu, Sibu, and Sri Aman with 88 each, and Mukah with 80.
Additionally, Samalaju recorded an API reading of 79, followed by Miri (70), ILP Miri (63), Kapit (61), and Limbang (58).
APIMS’ level readings are as follows:
- Good: 0 to 50
- Moderate: 51 to 100
- Unhealthy: 101 to 200
- Very unhealthy: 201 to 300
- Hazardous: Above 300
Earlier today, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak said hazy conditions in Sarawak are expected to persist until Aug 8, with six hotspots detected across the State over the past three days, while 905 hotspots were recorded in Kalimantan, Indonesia, during the same period.
NREB said the increase in hotspot activities outside Sarawak, coupled with the current Southwest Monsoon conditions, could contribute to transboundary haze and further deterioration of ambient air quality in the State in the coming days.
Members of the public were advised to take precautions during the hot and dry weather, including drinking sufficient water, reducing outdoor activities, and wearing face masks when outdoors, especially among high-risk groups.
NREB also reminded the public not to engage in open burning, as such activities could worsen air pollution.
Those found guilty of committing open burning offences may face prosecution under Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, Ed. 1958). Convicted offenders may be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
The public is also encouraged to help extinguish small fires and report cases of open burning to the nearest NREB office or the NREB Hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500. NREB said that the confidentiality of reports is protected under Section 38 of the Whistleblower Protection provision of the same Ordinance. — DayakDaily
