By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 3: Two areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality levels this morning, with Lubok Antu registering the State’s highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 464, placing it in the Very Hazardous category, followed by IPD Serian, which recorded an API of 350.
According to the latest data released by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak as of 10am, haze conditions remained severe across the State, with no monitoring station reporting good or moderate air quality.
Eight locations recorded Very Unhealthy air quality levels, namely Sri Aman (292), Kuching (276), Lundu (270), Samarahan (257), Tebedu (252), Kanowit (241), Sarikei (219) and Betong (213).
Meanwhile, 10 stations were classified as Unhealthy, comprising Sibu (186), Bintulu (174), Kapit (172), Mukah (170), Samalaju (167), Lawas (163), Bario (157), Limbang (155), ILP Miri (153) and Miri (121).
Under the API classification system, readings between 201 and 300 are categorised as Very Unhealthy, while readings between 301 and 400 are deemed Hazardous. Readings above 400 fall under the Very Hazardous category and pose serious health risks to the public.
Health authorities have advised the public, particularly children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, to minimise outdoor activities and avoid prolonged exposure to the haze.
Residents are also encouraged to wear suitable face masks when outdoors and to seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties or other haze-related symptoms.
NREB said the API is calculated based on a 24-hour running average of the dominant pollutant measured at each monitoring station and that air quality conditions across the state continue to be closely monitored. — DayakDaily
