Six Sarawak areas hit ‘Unhealthy’ air levels as API readings spike

LocalEnvironment
20 Aug 2026 • 10:17 AM MYT
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

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Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Six areas in Sarawak recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at an unhealthy level as of 9 am today.

According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Serian recorded the highest reading at 187, followed by Kuching (182), Sri Aman (174), Samarahan (165), Sarikei (153), and Sibu (123).

Meanwhile, 50 other areas nationwide recorded API readings at a moderate level (51-100), while another 12 areas still maintained good air quality (below 50).

API readings of 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), and 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), while readings exceeding 300 are categorised as hazardous.

API data is released hourly based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. — Bernama

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