KUCHING, Sept 2 — Samarahan moved out of the Hazardous air quality category this morning after its Air Pollutant Index (API) reading fell from 302 at 8am to 292 at 10am.
The latest reading placed Samarahan in the Very Unhealthy category, marking one of the more notable improvements recorded across Sarawak on Wednesday morning.
According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak’s Daily Haze Watch, most monitoring stations also recorded lower API readings by 10am compared with 8am, indicating a gradual improvement in air quality across the state.
Lubok Antu recorded the highest API reading at 331, down from 335 at 8am, while Lundu fell from 346 to 325, and IPD Serian from 320 to 309.
Kanowit remained unchanged at 323, while Kuching’s API reading stayed at 318.
Among stations in the Very Unhealthy category, Sarikei improved from 283 to 275, Sibu from 292 to 284, Tebedu from 279 to 270, and Mukah from 241 to 232.
Bintulu also recorded a slight improvement, with its API falling from 226 to 223, while Sri Aman dropped from 214 to 211.
Meanwhile, Miri improved from 181 to 178 and Betong from 194 to 192. Bario recorded a decrease from 157 to 150.
However, several stations recorded marginal increases, including Limbang from 173 to 174, Lawas from 182 to 186 and Kapit from 187 to 188.
As of 10am, five stations remained in the Hazardous category — Lubok Antu (331), Lundu (325), Kanowit (323), Kuching (318), and IPD Serian (309).
Despite the gradual improvement, members of the public in affected areas are advised to continue taking precautions, including limiting outdoor activities, avoiding strenuous physical exertion and wearing suitable protective masks when outdoors. — The Borneo Post
