Serian, Tebedu hit very unhealthy API levels at 202, 212 as haze worsens

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 12: Serian has joined Tebedu in recording very unhealthy air quality, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching 202 and 212 respectively as haze conditions worsen across parts of Sarawak.

In a statement today, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the readings were recorded as of 4pm today, with both areas falling within the very unhealthy API category of between 201 and 300.

Eleven other areas were in the unhealthy category, with API readings between 101 and 200. They were Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Lawas.

Five other areas, including Mukah, Kapit, ILP Miri, Limbang and Bario, recorded moderate air quality, with API readings between 51 and 100.

No areas recorded readings in the good category, with an API below 50, or the hazardous category, with readings above 300.

SDMC said ambient air quality in Sarawak had shown an upward trend in API readings since Aug 1.

According to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), 75 hotspots were detected in Sarawak between Aug 1 and 11.

“However, 3,853 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia, during the same period,” it said.

SDMC said the country was currently in the Southwest Monsoon phase, which began on May 14 and is expected to end in September, bringing consistent winds from the southwest.

The prevailing conditions could potentially cause transboundary haze and further deterioration of ambient air quality in Sarawak.

“Sarawak may continue to experience haze over the next few days if biomass burning increases outside Sarawak’s borders,” it added.

SDMC said it would continue monitoring air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and fire incidents across Sarawak in coordination with relevant agencies.

The public has been advised to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when air quality reaches the unhealthy category or higher.

High-risk groups, including children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart problems, should limit their exposure to polluted air. — DayakDaily

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