KUCHING, Sept 28: IPD Serian, Samarahan and Sri Aman have recorded unhealthy air quality with air pollution index (API) readings of 159, 152 and 110 respectively as of 3pm today.
These readings were based on the hourly data from the Air Pollution Index of Malaysia (APIM) website.
The air quality in IPD Serian has deteriorated significantly since 11pm yesterday when it registered an API reading of 117. It peaked at 159 as of 3pm today.
Similarly, Samarahan has experienced worsening air quality since 5am today, with API levels rising from 105 to 152.
In Sri Aman, the unhealthy air quality has persisted since yesterday (Sept 27).
Kuching City has also been affected, with a hazy skyline observed since yesterday, accompanied by a moderate API reading of 97, which is nearing the unhealthy range.
Meanwhile, moderate API readings were recorded in other parts of Sarawak with Bintulu at 75, Sarikei (73), Kapit (72), Sibu (71), Mukah (70), Samalaju (68), Labuan (63), Miri (62), Limbang (61), and ILP Miri (60).
A range of 51 to 100 indicates moderate air quality, generally considered safe for the majority of people, although individuals in highly sensitive groups might experience some impact.
Malaysia employs a five-category API to categorise air quality. Hazardous levels are readings above 300, while 201 to 300 is considered very unhealthy; 101-200 is unhealthy; 51-100 is moderate and a reading below 50 is good. — DayakDaily
