4 areas in Sarawak record ‘hazardous’ air quality

 Another three locations in the state record 'very unhealthy' API readings as of 8am.

Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest air pollutant index reading of 476 this morning. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Four areas in Sarawak registered “hazardous” air pollutant index (API) readings as of 8am today, with three more areas in the state showing “very unhealthy” readings.

According to the environment department’s portal, the API at Serian stood at 476, Samarahan 330, Sri Aman 326, and Kuching 317.

The three areas with “very unhealthy” API readings were Sarikei (267), Sibu (219), and Mukah (214).

Fourteen areas showed “unhealthy” readings. They included six locations in Sarawak – Samalaju (181), Miri (170), ILP Miri (168), Kapit (164), Bintulu (162) and Limbang (159).

They were followed by Sungai Petani, Kedah (157), Labuan (156), Seberang Jaya, Seberang Perai and Minden in Penang (154, 154 and 152, respectively), Tawau, Sabah (152), Taping Perak (141) and Politeknik Kota Kinabalu (116).

Forty-four areas recorded “moderate” API readings. They included Putrajaya, venue for today’s National Day celebrations, with a reading of 79.

There was one “good” air quality report – Langkawi, Kedah with an API reading of 49.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous. - FMT