By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 5: Air quality in Serian remained in the hazardous category this morning despite improving significantly from yesterday, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) falling to 334 from 521, while seven other areas across Sarawak recorded “Very Unhealthy” readings.
Data released by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak at 10am today showed the Mobile Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station (MCAQMS) at IPD Serian recording an API of 334, placing the district in the hazardous category.
An API reading above 300 indicates hazardous air quality and poses serious health risks to the population, particularly vulnerable groups.
The deterioration in air quality has also spread across several parts of southern and central Sarawak, with seven locations recording API readings between 201 and 300, classified as “Very Unhealthy”.
Tebedu recorded the highest reading in the category at 270, followed by Kuching at 267, Sri Aman (260), Samarahan (259), Lundu (259), Lubok Antu (243) and Kanowit (202).
Meanwhile, 10 other monitoring stations across the state recorded “Unhealthy” API readings of between 101 and 200.
Bintulu and Samalaju recorded an API of 194, followed by Betong (MCAQMS) at 187, ILP Miri (186), Mukah (185), Miri (179), Sarikei (178), Sibu (171), Limbang (159), Kapit (144) and Lawas (137).
Only Bario recorded “Moderate” air quality, with an API reading of 97.
Under the API classification, readings between 101 and 200 indicate unhealthy air quality, which can worsen conditions for vulnerable individuals. Readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy and may have a more significant impact on public health, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to reduce outdoor activities as prolonged exposure to the haze may aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and affect public health. — DayakDaily
