Sarawak haze map darkens with Lundu’s sharp rise, Serian and Kanowit still choking

KUCHING, Sept 24 — The air quality in Lundu has worsened to 'Very Unhealthy' levels, placing it among Serian and Kanowit as three locations in Sarawak with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 200. The Natural Resources and Environment Board's API readings at 8am this morning revealed that Lundu recorded 223, a significant jump from 163 at 6pm on Wednesday.

Serian's API rose from 201 to 218, while Kanowit increased slightly from 211 to 216, both remaining in the 'Very Unhealthy' category. Kuching continued to experience 'Unhealthy' air quality, with its API rising from 185 to 195. Tebedu's API also increased from 176 to 194, and Samarahan climbed from 182 to 188. Lubok Antu remained steady at 191.

Other places categorized as 'Unhealthy' included Belaga (171), Betong (170), Bintulu (170), Sri Aman (168), Samalaju (163), Sarikei (158), Sibu (158), Mukah (151), and Miri (114). Conversely, five locations experienced 'Moderate' air quality after some stations displayed improvements overnight. Kapit's API dropped from 121 to 100, ILP Miri decreased from 154 to 95, Limbang fell from 153 to 90, and Lawas reduced from 138 to 84, all moving out of the 'Unhealthy' category.

Bario, which stayed in the 'Moderate' category, showed a lower reading of 64 compared to 76 at 6pm the previous day. API classifications indicate that readings between 0-50 are 'Good', 51-100 'Moderate', 101-200 'Unhealthy', and 201-300 'Very Unhealthy'.