The reduced visibility due to the worsening haze in Kuching. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Six areas in the state have recorded very unhealthy air quality as of 9am today.
According to the Department of Environment’s MyIPU application, all the six areas had recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of more than 200.
Kuching recorded the highest API reading of 273, followed by Sibu (239), Samarahan (230), Sarikei (230), Sri Aman (206) and Mukah (201).
Five other areas in the state that recorded unhealthy API readings were Bintulu (150), Miri (112), ILP Miri (108) and Samalaju (133).
Moderate API readings were recorded in SK Kuala Baram (95), Kapit (93), and Limbang (82).
An API reading of zero to 50 is good, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy and 301 and above is hazardous.
Meanwhile, the state Disaster Management Committee, in its report this morning stated that as of 8am, seven hotspots were detected in the state namely Betong (two), Sri Aman (two), Belaga (one), Julau (one), Marudi (five), Song (two and Tatau (three).
Whereas, in neighbouring Indonesia, 386 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and 132 hotspots were detected in Sumatera.