KUCHING: Serian’s air quality has deteriorated to an unhealthy level, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching 153 as of 3pm today (July 27).
According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Serian was the only area in Sarawak to record an unhealthy API reading at the time.
Hazy conditions were observed in the town, where visibility was noticeably reduced.
Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) said the ongoing Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14 and is expected to last until September, has brought prevailing southwesterly winds that could carry smoke from biomass burning in neighbouring Kalimantan into Sarawak.
The board said the state could continue to experience transboundary haze over the coming days should biomass burning outside Sarawak intensify.
“The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 1,081 hotspots in Kalimantan between July 1 and 26, with 442 recorded in the five-day period from July 22 to 26.
“In comparison, only 16 hotspots were detected in Sarawak during the same period, while just one hotspot was recorded in the state over the past seven days,” said NREB when contacted.
Elsewhere in Sarawak, air quality remained at a moderate level, with API readings of 87 in Kuching, 85 in Samarahan, 77 in Sri Aman, 59 in Sarikei, 61 in Sibu, 57 in Mukah, and 52 in Bintulu.
Samalaju, Miri, ILP Miri and Limbang recorded good air quality, with API readings of 49, 40, 41 and 33 respectively.
NREB said it has activated its haze operations room, intensified ground patrols, revoked all approved controlled burning permits and suspended the issuance of new permits as part of efforts to mitigate the situation.
The board also advised the public to stay hydrated, reduce outdoor activities and wear N95 face masks when outdoors, particularly those in high-risk groups, while reminding the public not to carry out open burning.
Under the API classification, readings between 0 and 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.
