By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 24: Samarahan’s Air Pollutant Index (API) surged to 217 this morning, placing it in the ‘very unhealthy’ category and joining Lundu (224) and Kanowit (216) as among areas in Sarawak with readings exceeding 200 as of 9am today.
Lundu continued to record the highest API reading in the state.
According to data from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, air quality remained poor across much of the state, with several locations registering ‘very unhealthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ API levels.
These included Kuching (195), Tebedu (195), Lubok Antu (192), Serian (189), Belaga (171), Bintulu (170), Betong (170), Sri Aman (168), Samalaju (162), Sarikei and Sibu (158), Mukah (148), and Miri (126).
Moderate air quality readings were recorded in Kapit (100), ILP Miri (92), Limbang (88), Lawas (84), and Bario (66).
In light of the persistently high API levels, all primary and secondary schools under the Serian District Education Office (PPD) were ordered to close temporarily today.
The decision was made following API readings recorded at 10pm yesterday (Sept 23), as air quality in the district continued to deteriorate. – DayakDaily
