Unhealthy haze readings recorded in Sarawak, Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR: The air quality in various parts of Malaysia remains unhealthy due to haze, with the highest readings being recorded in Sarawak, according to the latest Air Pollutant Index (API) data. Serian in Sarawak topped the list at 190, followed by Samarahan at 169, Kuching at 165, Bintulu at 159, Samalaju at 155, Mukah at 154, Sibu and Sarikei at 154 each, Sri Aman at 152, and Miri at 138. The Miri Industrial Training Institute recorded an API of 117.

An API reading between 101 and 200 is classified as unhealthy, while readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy. In Peninsular Malaysia, the worst-hit location was Johan Setia in Klang, with an API of 151. This reading was slightly lower than the 153 recorded there on August 9, indicating a marginal improvement, although the air quality still remained unhealthy.

Sarawak appears to be more affected by the haze compared to the peninsula, as Serian's reading of 190 is nearing the very unhealthy threshold. The haze has forced the Sarawak Education Department to order schools to suspend outdoor activities in areas where API readings exceed 100.