Five Sarawak areas record unhealthy API as transboundary haze persists

KUCHING - Five areas in Sarawak continued to record unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings due to transboundary haze as of 8am today, compared with six areas yesterday afternoon.

Based on the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), the areas recording unhealthy API readings were Kuching (153), Samarahan (156), Serian (170), Bintulu (156) and Samalaju (151).

Yesterday, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reportedly said that transboundary haze was expected to affect 19 areas in Sarawak over the next few days, with current wind patterns carrying smoke from hotspots in neighbouring regions into the state.

Uggah, who is also State Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the areas identified were Betong, Bintulu, Daro, Julau, Kanowit, Kuching, Lundu, Marudi, Miri, Mukah, Pakan, Samarahan, Saratok, Serian, Sibu, Simunjan, Song, Sri Aman and Tatau. - BERNAMA