KUCHING, Aug 9 — Five areas across Sarawak continued to register unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8am today due to ongoing transboundary haze, marking a slight reduction from six affected localities reported yesterday afternoon.
According to data released by the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Serian logged the state’s highest API level at 170. Samarahan and Bintulu both recorded readings of 156, while state capital Kuching registered 153 and Samalaju reached 151. An API reading ranging between 101 and 200 falls within the unhealthy air quality category.
The latest environmental monitoring comes after Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas cautioned yesterday that transboundary haze is forecast to affect up to 19 areas across the state over the next few days. Prevailing wind patterns continue to carry smoke plumes generated by regional hotspots into Sarawak.
Uggah, who serves as the State Disaster Management Committee chairman, identified the 19 targeted areas as Betong, Bintulu, Daro, Julau, Kanowit, Kuching, Lundu, Marudi, Miri, Mukah, Pakan, Samarahan, Saratok, Serian, Sibu, Simunjan, Song, Sri Aman, and Tatau. Disaster management authorities and environmental agencies are continuing to track hotspot developments and monitor local air quality levels across the state.
–NMT
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