10 areas in Sarawak, Selangor record unhealthy API

According to the website of the Department of Environment’s Air Pollution Index (API) Management System, nine areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality, namely Serian, Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Sri Aman, Mukah, Sarikei, Bintulu and Samalaju. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Ten areas in Sarawak and the peninsula recorded unhealthy air pollution index (API) readings as of 8am today.

According to the website of the Department of Environment’s Air Pollution Index (API) Management System, nine areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy API readings, with Serian recording the highest at 178, followed by Kuching at 161, Samarahan (160), Sibu (157), Sri Aman (156), Mukah and Sarikei (155), Bintulu (143) and Samalaju (128).

Johan Setia in Selangor was the only area on the peninsula that recorded unhealthy air quality, with an API reading of 154. A total of 55 areas in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak were at a moderate level, while Kangar, Langkawi and Jerantut recorded good API readings. API readings between 0 and 50 are categorised as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), 301-400 (hazardous), 401-500 (very hazardous) and above 501 (emergency).

Yesterday, the Meteorological Department in its significant weather forecast notice informed that hot and dry weather was expected in most areas in Borneo, including Sarawak, until August 14. According to it, the influence of winds from the south and the number of hotspots expected to remain high in neighbouring countries had the potential to cause transboundary haze and reduce visibility, especially in southern Sarawak.