KUCHING: Air quality across Sarawak continued to improve this afternoon (Sept 15), with most monitoring stations recording moderate readings as thunderstorms and heavy rain were forecast in several areas.
As of 4pm today, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) data showed five stations recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
Serian recorded the highest reading at 171, followed by Samarahan at 153, Lubok Antu at 148, Tebedu at 128 and Kuching at 98.
The remaining 15 stations recorded moderate air quality, with Betong at 78, Kanowit at 74, Sibu and Sri Aman at 73 each and Lundu at 71.
Kapit registered 66, followed by Lawas at 64, Bintulu at 61, Miri at 58, Limbang and Samalaju at 54 each, Mukah at 54, Sarikei at 53, ILP Miri at 52 and Bario at 51.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a thunderstorm warning at 4.10pm for several parts of Sarawak.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds were forecast until 7pm in Betong, Serian, Samarahan and Sri Aman, as well as parts of Miri, Sarikei, Bintulu, Kapit, Sibu, Kuching and Limbang divisions.
The affected areas include Beluru and Marudi in Miri; Pakan and Julau in Sarikei; Sebauh and Tatau in Bintulu; Kapit and Song in Kapit; Kanowit and Selangau in Sibu; Bau and Kuching; and Limbang.
