Serian API hits 518 as haze persists in Sarawak

 

Haze in Sarawak. Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Serian recorded the country's highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 518 as haze continued to blanket parts of Sarawak as of 10am.

According to the Department of Environment's (DoE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Kuching was the only other area with a hazardous reading, at 310.

Two areas in Sarawak recorded very unhealthy readings, with Samarahan at 281 and Sri Aman at 245.

Six other areas in the state recorded unhealthy readings — Sarikei (181), Sibu (177), Mukah (173), Bintulu (157), Samalaju (152) and ILP Miri (116).

Four other areas nationwide recorded unhealthy readings — Sandakan, Sabah (152), Pasir Gudang, Johor (124), Segamat, Johor (105) and Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (105).

Meanwhile, 42 areas nationwide recorded moderate air quality, while 12 stations recorded good readings.

The good readings were recorded in Langkawi (15), Kangar (18), Balik Pulau (27), Minden (29), Sungai Petani (32), Tanah Merah (32), Permatang Pauh (34), Kulim Hi-Tech (35), Alor Setar (39), Kota Bharu (41), Seberang Prai (43) and Taiping (45).

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous. - NST