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PETALING JAYA - Sarawak’s Serian has recorded a hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) of 518 as of 10am on Friday (Sept 4), according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
Previously, Sarawak state secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, who is also state disaster management chairman, said a haze emergency or disaster would be declared when API readings reached 500 and above.
Apart from Serian, Kuching’s API reading of 310 has also been categorised as hazardous, followed closely by Samarahan (281) and Sri Aman (245), which showed very unhealthy levels.
A total of 10 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy API readings namely Sandakan (152) and Kota Kinabalu (105) in Sabah; Sarikei (181), Sibu (177), Mukah (173), Samalaju (152), Bintulu (157) and ILP Miri (116) in Sarawak; and Johor’s Pasir Gudang (124) and Segamat (105).
API readings of between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are categorised as hazardous.
API data is released hourly based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. - THE STAR
