KUCHING, Aug 10 — The number of areas in Sarawak recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings due to transboundary haze rose to nine this morning.

Based on the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), the areas were Kuching (161), Samarahan (161), Serian (179), Sri Aman (155), Sarikei (155), Sibu (158), Mukah (156), Bintulu (142) and Samalaju (141).

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are hazardous.

API data is updated hourly based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. — Bernama