People wear masks as the haze situation in Kuching worsens. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Aug 12): Air quality in Sarawak worsened significantly as of 4pm today, with 11 areas recording ‘unhealthy’ Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, while two locations recorded ‘very unhealthy’ levels.
According to the latest data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Tebedu and IPD Serian recorded very unhealthy API readings of 214 and 201 respectively.
Meanwhile, 11 areas recorded unhealthy air quality, led by Samarahan at 178 and Kuching at 177.
They were followed by Lubok Antu (165), Sarikei (160), Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (153), Miri (151), Sibu (124), Lundu (111), Samalaju (110) and Lawas (102).
Moderate air quality was recorded in Mukah (97), Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Miri (92), Limbang (78), Kapit (67) and Bario (64).
An API reading of 51 to 100 indicates moderate air quality, while readings of 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy and 201 to 300 as very unhealthy.
API readings are updated hourly based on data compiled from monitoring stations nationwide.