Haze: Serian, Samarahan, Kuching record hazardous API readings

Hazy conditions continue to blanket Kuching city on Sunday (Aug 30), 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 12 noon, Kuching recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 304, classified as unhealthy. Serian recorded a higher reading of 399, 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: Three areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous-level Air Pollutant Index (API) readings above 300 as of 1pm on Sunday (Aug 30), with 13 other areas nationwide recording API readings at the unhealthy level or higher.

According to the Environment Department’s APIMS website, IPD Serian was the worst-hit at 420, followed by Samarahan (337) and Kuching (308).

Meanwhile, Sri Aman recorded a ‘very unhealthy’ reading of 235.

Other affected areas in Sarawak were Sarikei (198), Sibu (191), Bintulu (184), Mukah (179), Samalaju (175), Kapit (161), Miri (160), and ILP Miri (157).

Vehicles move cautiously along the Pan Borneo Highway near Serian as thick haze severely reduces visibility at 11am on Sunday. Serian recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 401, classified as hazardous, while Samarahan stood at 325 and Kuching at 299. Motorists are advised to drive carefully as landmarks and vehicles become increasingly obscured by the dense haze. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda hit 151, while in Selangor, Johan Setia recorded a reading of 152. Meanwhile, Labuan recorded a reading of 142.

Sabah was also affected, with Politeknik Kota Kinabalu at 124.

52 other areas in the country recorded moderate API readings.

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.

The public can monitor the latest API readings via the APIMS website at https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main or via the MyJAS EQMS application.