PETALING JAYA: Haze conditions persisted across several parts of the country yesterday, with Sri Aman in Sarawak remaining the only area to record very unhealthy air quality.
Sri Aman recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 215 as of 5.33pm, according to the latest data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
Environment Department deputy director-general (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said dry conditions continued across much of the southern Asean region, although rain was recorded in parts of Peninsular Malaysia, northeastern Borneo and northern Sumatra.
“Isolated to scattered hotspots had been detected in parts of Kalimantan and southern and central Sumatra, while moderate to dense haze was observed over western Borneo.
“Moderate to dense smoke plumes were also detected over parts of Kalimantan as well as central and southern Sumatra,” she said in a statement.
A total of 21 other areas recorded unhealthy readings, with six of them in Sarawak.
They were IPD Serian (182), Samarahan (169), Sarikei (165), Kuching (161), Sibu (152) and Bintulu (141).
Outside Sarawak, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest unhealthy reading at 159, followed by Seberang Perai and Minden in Penang at 158 each.
Alor Setar and Sungai Petani recorded 154 each, while Taiping and Seberang Jaya registered 153.
Other areas with unhealthy readings were Batu Muda (153), Shah Alam (152), Johan Setia (149), Putrajaya (133), Tasek Ipoh (124), Petaling Jaya (124), Tanjung Malim (116) and Seremban (112).
Meanwhile, 46 other areas recorded moderate air quality.
API readings of 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are hazardous.
Azuri said DOE had stepped up enforcement and daily patrols in areas at risk of open burning, while continuing to monitor API readings.
