KUCHING: A total of 13 areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of noon on Tuesday (Aug 11), up from nine areas on Monday (Aug 10) amid the ongoing haze.
Based on Sarawak API readings released by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, Serian recorded the highest reading at 189, followed by Samarahan and Tebedu at 169 respectively, and Kuching at 165.
Other areas with unhealthy readings were Bintulu (159), Samalaju (155), Mukah (154), Sibu (154), Sri Aman (154), Sarikei (153), Miri (144), the Miri Industrial Training Institute (118) and Lundu (107).
API readings of between 101 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy, while readings from 201 to 300 are considered very unhealthy. Readings of 301 and above are classified as hazardous.
Members of the public, particularly children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities.
Those who need to remain outdoors are encouraged to wear suitable face masks and drink sufficient water to minimise the effects of air pollution.
The public is also advised against conducting open burning, which could further worsen air quality.
