PETALING JAYA: Air quality in Serian and Kuching remains hazardous, with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings worsening slightly on Friday (Sept 4).
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System, Serian recorded an API reading of 521 as of 2pm, up from 518 at noon.
Kuching’s reading rose to 311 from 309 over the same period.
Samarahan and Sri Aman remained in the very unhealthy category, with API readings of 284 and 235 respectively.
Sarawak state secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, who is also state disaster management chairman, had previously said a haze emergency or disaster would be declared when API readings reached 500 or above.
Several other areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality, including Sarikei (182), Sibu (181), Mukah (177), Bintulu (157), Samalaju (146) and Miri (122).
In Sabah, Politeknik Kota Kinabalu recorded an API of 152 while Sandakan registered 140.
Pasir Gudang and Segamat in Johor were also in the unhealthy category, with readings of 128 and 115 respectively.
API readings of between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy and 201 to 300 very unhealthy. Readings above 300 are categorised as hazardous.
API data is released hourly based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide.
