KUCHING, Aug 12 — The air quality in nine areas in Sarawak was at an unhealthy level as at 8 am today due to transboundary haze, compared with 11 areas yesterday morning.

According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Serian had an Air Pollutant Index reading of 194, Kuching (172), Samarahan (170), Sarikei (161), Bintulu (157), Sri Aman (157), Samalaju (152), Sibu (151) and Miri (133).

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 300 and above, hazardous.

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