By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: Serian and Lubok Antu continued to register very unhealthy air quality levels this morning, with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of 241 and 207 respectively, as haze conditions persisted across large parts of Sarawak.
Data released by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak at 8am showed that most other monitoring stations across Sarawak were in the unhealthy category, with 11 locations registering API readings between 101 and 200.
Among the major population centres, Sri Aman recorded an API reading of 189, followed by Kuching (186), Lundu (181), Samarahan (179), Tebedu (179), Sarikei (173), Sibu (156), Bintulu (154), Samalaju (145) and Kapit (129), all categorised as unhealthy.
Only six stations recorded moderate air quality readings, namely Mukah (96), Miri (77), ILP Miri (77), Bario (75), Lawas (74) and Limbang (63). No area in the State reported good air quality.
Under Malaysia’s API classification, readings between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy, while readings between 201 and 300 are categorised as very unhealthy and may pose health risks to the general public, especially vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and those with respiratory illnesses.
Authorities have advised the public to reduce prolonged outdoor activities, stay hydrated and use appropriate face masks when outdoors as air quality conditions continue to be monitored. — DayakDaily
