PETALING JAYA: Sarawak continues to record the highest number of unhealthy air quality readings in the country, with nine areas recording unhealthy air pollutant index (API) levels as at 6pm yesterday.
According to the API Management System, Serian and Kuching recorded the highest readings at 194 and 187 respectively, followed by Samarahan (175) and Sri Aman (173).
Other areas were Bintulu (159), Sarikei (157), Sibu (155), Samalaju (153) and Kapit (144).
Good API readings were recorded in 12 areas, including Besut in Terengganu (23) and Kangar (22) in Perlis.
The other areas were Alor Setar (43) and Langkawi (21) in Kedah; Minden and Balik Pulau (both 49) in Penang; Temerloh (49) and Jerantut (42) in Pahang; Paka and Kuala Terengganu (both 48) in Terengganu; and Kota Baru (47) and Tanah Merah (29) in Kelantan.
A total of 47 areas nationwide recorded moderate readings.
An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and above 300 hazardous.
Meanwhile, cloud seeding operations have been carried out in several states to encourage rainfall, replenish dam levels and mitigate the haze.
A two-day operation in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya on Sept 20 produced rainfall of up to 80.2mm at Klang Gates Dam, while a four-day operation is being carried out in Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan to replenish dam levels and safeguard water supplies.
The operations are coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), alongside the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
MetMalaysia said yesterday that the cloud seeding operation conducted on Sept 23 targeted the catchment areas of Kelinchi Dam in Negri Sembilan, as well as Jus, Asahan and Durian Tunggal dams in Melaka.
“Based on weather radar observations, rainfall activity was detected in the targeted areas as early as 2pm. Monitoring showed rainfall activity over the Kelinchi Dam area in Negri Sembilan,” it said.
Meanwhile, Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said dry weather is forecast over the southern Asean region over the next few days, apart from parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo where some showers are expected.
“While showers may bring some relief to the hotspot and smoke haze situation, there remains a risk of transboundary haze occurrence, especially over areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions.
“The prevailing winds over the southern Asean region are likely to blow mainly from the southeast to southwest.
“Showers are forecast over the northern Asean region, which should keep the hotspot and smoke haze situation subdued.
“The prevailing winds over the northern Asean region are expected to be variable in direction,” said the centre.
