KUCHING: Tebedu became the first location in Sarawak to record very unhealthy air quality on Aug 12, as haze continued to blanket much of the state.
The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) reported an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 206 in Tebedu as of 8 am.
Serian was approaching the same threshold with a reading of 194, followed by Samarahan at 179 and Kuching at 172.
Lubok Antu registered an API of 168 and Sarikei 161, while Sri Aman and Bintulu each recorded 157.
Unhealthy readings were also reported in Samalaju at 152, Sibu at 151, Miri at 133 and Lundu at 112.
Hourly records indicated that the haze had persisted overnight, particularly in southern Sarawak, with API readings in Serian, Kuching and Samarahan showing an upward trend during the morning.
Six other locations remained at moderate levels, comprising Mukah at 100, the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri station at 93, Limbang at 76, Lawas at 74, Kapit at 70 and Bario at 64.
None of the 18 locations listed in the NREB update recorded good air quality.
API readings between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy, while readings from 201 to 300 fall under the very unhealthy category.
With the haze worsening, residents in affected areas should limit strenuous outdoor activities and monitor their health for symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties or eye and throat irritation.
Extra precautions should be taken by children, older persons, pregnant women and those with existing heart or respiratory conditions.
Those venturing outdoors are encouraged to use appropriate face masks, stay hydrated and seek medical attention if they experience persistent discomfort.
Residents should also avoid open burning to prevent further deterioration of the air quality.
