Serian records hazardous API 391, four other Sarawak areas at very unhealthy levels

Air quality in Sarawak, Malaysia, has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching hazardous levels in Serian and very unhealthy levels in four other areas. Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment (DOE), Azuri Azizah Saedon, reported that Kuching, Sri Aman, Samarahan, and Sarikei all recorded API readings above 200, placing them in the very unhealthy category.

Eight areas in Sarawak, including Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Kapit, ILP Miri, Limbang, and Miri, also experienced unhealthy air quality. The deterioration of air quality is attributed to transboundary haze originating from various directions, particularly from Kalimantan and Sumatra. The Asean Secretariat has activated Alert Level 3 for the southern ASEAN region due to the increased activity and spread of haze, as per the Asean MAJER SOP.

The DOE will continue to monitor air quality through the National Haze Action Plan and engage relevant agencies to address the situation.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.