By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 26: Kanowit recorded a “Very Unhealthy” Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 207 as of 11am today, making it the worst-affected area in Sarawak even as air quality improved to moderate levels in most other parts of the State.
According to the latest monitoring data released by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, Kanowit was the only area to record an API reading above 200, placing it in the “Very Unhealthy” category.
An API reading between 201 and 300 indicates very unhealthy air quality, which can worsen existing health conditions, reduce tolerance for physical activity and pose greater risks to public health, particularly for individuals with existing heart and lung conditions.
Serian (MCAQM) recorded the second-highest API reading at 145, placing it in the “Unhealthy” category.
Air quality in the 101 to 200 range can aggravate health problems, particularly among high-risk groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory conditions.
Meanwhile, 19 other monitoring stations across Sarawak recorded “Moderate” air quality, with readings ranging from 51 to 100.
Betong (MCAQM) recorded an API of 99, followed by Sri Aman at 98 and Bintulu at 96. Kuching recorded 90, Samarahan 84, Sarikei 82, Lubok Antu 79 and Belaga 74.
Mukah and Tebedu each recorded 71, while Sibu recorded 69. Kapit and Lundu recorded 66 each, followed by Samalaju at 62 and Bario at 59. Miri and ILP Miri both recorded 57, while Lawas recorded 57 and Limbang 53.
Despite the improvement recorded across most monitoring stations, no area in Sarawak registered “Good” air quality, classified as an API reading between 0 and 50, as of 11am. — DayakDaily
