KUCHING, Sept 13: After some respite, the haze is back as visibility in the state capital here has been reduced to 800 metres.
The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading for Kuching as at 5pm today was 117, up from 79 at 5pm yesterday.
An API reading of 0 to 50 is good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above hazardous.
Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee secretariat Major Ismail Mahedin from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force said stations which recorded moderate readings are Samarahan (88), Sibu (92), SK Baram (71), Mukan (78), Miri (72), Bintulu (83), Samalaju (78), Kapit (67), Limbang (77), Sarikei (87) and ILP Miri (74).
The number of hotspots detected at Kalimantan are 1,307, while Sumatera (221) and Sarawak (14).
According to weather forecast, it could be hazy for the whole day tomorrow (Sept 14).
Other areas facing reduced visibility level are Sri Aman (3km), Limbang (4km), Kapit (4km), Sibu (6km), and 5km at Miri, Bintulu, Mulu respectively.
The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is closely monitoring the air quality in Sarawak following an apparent return of hazy conditions.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) transboundary haze map has shown a number of hotspots detected over Kalimantan.— DayakDaily
