Haze: Air quality in Serian at 'very unhealthy' level, eight other areas in S'wak at 'unhealthy' API

Hazy conditions continue to blanket Kuching city on Friday (Aug 21), reducing visibility around the Kuching Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge and the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex. The sun appears muted through the thick haze as pedestrians cross the bridge, while a traditional tambang boat plies the Sarawak River against a barely visible city backdrop. As of 9am, Kuching recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 186, classified as unhealthy. Serian recorded a higher reading of 241, placing it in the very unhealthy category. The haze continues to affect several parts of Sarawak, with residents advised to monitor air quality and limit prolonged outdoor activities. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The air quality monitoring station at the Serian district police headquarters recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at a "very unhealthy" level of 240 as of 9am Friday (Aug 21).

According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, eight other areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy readings with Sri Aman at 190, Kuching (185), Samarahan (178), Sarikei (174), Sibu (156), Bintulu (154), Samalaju (150), and Kapit (134).

Meanwhile, 56 other areas nationwide recorded API readings at a moderate level (51-100), while another three areas 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.