KUCHING: Serian recorded Sarawak’s highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 182 as of noon today (Aug 10), as haze continued to affect several parts of the state.
Department of Environment data showed air quality in Serian had deteriorated from an API reading of 172 at 2am to 182 by 11 am.
Samarahan recorded the second-highest reading at 164, followed by Kuching at 163.
Other areas recording unhealthy air quality at noon were Mukah and Sibu at 157, Bintulu, Sarikei and Sri Aman at 152, and Samalaju at 149.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian advised the public to reduce outdoor activities and follow official health guidelines as conditions worsen.
“Once the haze reaches a certain level, outdoor activities should be stopped. During this period, people should also drink enough water and stay hydrated,” he said when met by reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for HMI Malaysia’s hospital at The NorthBank project site here today (Aug 10).
He said those with respiratory conditions should take precautions even before the API reaches levels requiring official restrictions.
“When there is haze, those with respiratory diseases are usually the first to feel its effects. If you have a respiratory condition, do not wait until the reading reaches that level before stopping outdoor activities,” he said.
Dr Sim also advised joggers and others who regularly exercise outdoors to monitor API readings and follow announcements issued by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
Meanwhile, Limbang, ILP Miri, Miri and Kapit remained in the moderate category at noon, recording API readings of 81, 92, 90 and 72 respectively.
