By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 12: Tebedu recorded a very unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 206 as of 8am today, becoming the only monitoring station in Sarawak to breach the 200-point threshold, while air quality also deteriorated across the southern region with Serian (194), Kuching (172) and Samarahan (170) all registering unhealthy levels.
According to the latest API data issued by Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, haze conditions have spread across much of the State, with 13 of the 17 monitoring stations reporting unhealthy air quality.
Apart from Tebedu, the highest readings were recorded at Serian (194), Kuching (172), Samarahan (170), Lubok Antu (168) and Sarikei (161).
Several other areas also remained in the unhealthy category, including Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (157), Sibu (151), Samalaju (152), Miri (133) and Lundu (112).
Only six locations recorded moderate air quality levels, namely Mukah (100), ILP Miri (93), Limbang (76), Lawas (74), Kapit (70) and Bario (64).
Under Malaysia’s API classification, readings between 101 and 200 are considered Unhealthy, posing risks especially to individuals with heart and lung conditions. Readings between 201 and 300 fall under the Very Unhealthy category, which can affect public health more broadly and reduce tolerance for physical activities.
Health authorities generally advise the public to limit prolonged outdoor activities during periods of unhealthy air quality, while vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should take extra precautions.
All educational institutions under the Sarawak Education Department have also been ordered to suspend outdoor activities involving pupils whenever the API in their respective areas exceeds 100, as worsening haze raises health and safety concerns. — DayakDaily
