By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: The public has been urged to rely only on official Air Pollution Index (API) readings issued by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak and the Department of Environment (DOE), which monitor air quality through 18 stations across the State using the internationally recognised Pollution Standard Index (PSI) system adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
In a statement today, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the clarification was necessary following several recent social media posts and broadcasts that referred to API readings from sources outside the methodologies used by NREB and DOE.
SDMC stressed that any reference to air quality conditions in Sarawak should be made through the official NREB website and the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS) managed by DOE.
According to the committee, NREB and DOE calculate API readings based on the PSI system, a globally recognised standard used by the USEPA.
“Differences in methodologies employed by other sources could result in discrepancies and potentially cause confusion among the public.
“In addition, API readings are influenced by various factors surrounding air quality monitoring stations, including air flow patterns, topographical features, the distance between monitoring stations and nearby roads, as well as the height at which monitoring instruments are installed,” the committee explained.
PM2.5 API readings are derived from a 24-hour average value collected through Sarawak’s air quality monitoring network, comprising five Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) operated by NREB in Lundu, Tebedu, Lubok Antu, Lawas and Bario, as well as 12 Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAQMS) operated by DOE in Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, ILP Miri and Limbang.
In addition, a Mobile Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station (MCAQMS) operated by DOE is stationed at the Serian District Police Headquarters (IPD Serian), bringing the total number of monitoring stations across Sarawak to 18.
SDMC said all stations are equipped with regulatory-grade reference instruments and operate under strict quality assurance and quality control procedures, calibration requirements, maintenance schedules and data verification processes that comply with USEPA standards.
API readings are categorised as Good (below 50), Moderate (51-100), Unhealthy (101-200), Very Unhealthy (201-300), Hazardous (above 300-500) and Emergency (above 500).
It also noted that DOE had previously explained the differences between various air quality monitoring methodologies in an article published by BH Online on Sept 21, 2019.
Meanwhile, SDMC clarified that Air Pollution Index readings displayed by Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Smart Poles installed in public parks around Kuching are intended only to provide a general indication of air quality conditions.
“The readings are not intended to serve as an official reference source for SDMC,” it said.
The committee advised the public to refer only to official API readings issued by SDMC, NREB and DOE for accurate and verified information on air quality conditions in the State. — DayakDaily
