PETALING JAYA: Air quality in eight locations in Sarawak and one in Selangor recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
The unhealthy API readings in Sarawak were recorded in Sarikei (152), Serian (169), Samarahan (156), Bintulu (154), Kuching (156), Samalaju (152), Sri Aman (155) and Miri (121).
In Selangor, Johan Setia recorded an unhealthy API reading of 153, while 57 stations nationwide had moderate readings ranging from 52 to 100.
Only Langkawi in Kedah (32) and Kangar in Perlis (29) recorded good API readings.
These API readings were recorded at 68 stations nationwide by the Department of Environment as of 5pm yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) stated that dry weather was expected to continue across much of southern Asean over the next few days, increasing the risk of transboundary haze in fire-prone areas.
In an 11.16am update yesterday, the centre said clusters of scattered to widespread hotspots were detected mainly in West and Central Kalimantan and southern Sumatra.
A few isolated hotspots were also detected elsewhere in the southern Asean region.
Moderate transboundary smoke plumes were observed in West Kalimantan, drifting northwards into western Sarawak, while moderate to dense smoke plumes were seen emanating from hotspots in West and Central Kalimantan, as well as southern and central Sumatra.
Slightly localised smoke plumes were observed in other parts of Kalimantan.
The ASMC said several air quality stations in West and Central Kalimantan, including central and western Sarawak, recorded unhealthy levels.
However, it said the full extent of the hotspot and haze situation could not be determined due to cloud cover.
“Over the next few days, dry conditions are forecast to continue over many parts of the southern Asean region, except over northern and central Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, where showers are likely,” it said.
The centre warned that the hotspot and haze situation could worsen in areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions, with a risk of transboundary haze.
Additionally, wet weather was also observed over the northern Asean region overnight, where hotspot and smoke-producing activities remained subdued.
Showers are expected to continue over this region in the coming days.
On Saturday, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said transboundary haze was expected to affect 19 areas in Sarawak over the coming days.
Uggah, who is also Sarawak 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.
Uggah said weather conditions and wind patterns could change and advised the public to remain vigilant and monitor the latest API readings and official advisories.
