KUCHING: Six locations in Sarawak recorded very unhealthy air quality on Monday evening (Sept 7), with Lundu posting the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 287.
Based on the latest readings from the Department of Environment (DOE) and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the other affected locations were Serian, Samarahan, Kanowit, Lubok Antu and Kuching.
As of 6 pm, DOE recorded an API of 266 at IPD Serian, followed by Samarahan at 238 and Kuching at 203.
Meanwhile, NREB’s 5 pm readings showed Lundu at 287, Kanowit at 222 and Lubok Antu at 202.
Air quality remained unhealthy in most other parts of the state.
DOE recorded unhealthy readings in Sarikei at 196, Sri Aman (194), Sibu (183), Mukah (179), Samalaju (175), ILP Miri and Miri (167 each), Bintulu (166) and Limbang (141).
Kapit was among the locations with moderate air quality, recording an API of 93.
At NREB-only monitoring locations, Tebedu recorded an API of 198, Betong (187) and Lawas (149), all within the unhealthy range, while Bario registered a moderate reading of 77.
Serian’s air quality had deteriorated steadily throughout the day, with its API rising from 191 at 5am to 200 at 10am before reaching 222 at noon and 266 at 6pm.
Kuching also moved into the very unhealthy category at 6pm after recording 200 at 5pm.
Under the API classification, readings of zero to 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and above 300 hazardous.
