KUCHING: Lundu has breached the 400 mark in the Air Pollutant Index (API), joining Serian among the worst-affected areas in Sarawak as haze conditions continue to deteriorate.
The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) recorded an API reading of 405 in Lundu as of 4 pm today (Aug 31), placing the area in the hazardous category.
Serian recorded the highest reading at 445, followed by Kuching at 366, Samarahan (350), Sri Aman (334), Tebedu (399) and Lubok Antu (396), all also classified as hazardous.
Tebedu and Lubok Antu remained close to the 400 mark, while Kuching and Samarahan continued to record readings above 300.
Three areas recorded very unhealthy air quality, namely Sarikei at 277, Sibu (243) and Mukah (216).
The remaining areas recorded unhealthy readings, with Samalaju at 197, Bintulu (178), Miri (174), ILP Miri (174), Kapit (166), Limbang (161), Lawas (153) and Bario (127).
The latest readings show that haze conditions remain particularly severe in southern and central parts of Sarawak, with seven areas now recording hazardous air quality.
Under the API classification, readings above 300 are considered hazardous, while readings between 201 and 300 are classified as very unhealthy.
