KUCHING，29 July: Mukah recorded an unhealthy air quality with an Air Pollutant Index (API) level of 153 as of 4 pm yesterday (July 28).
According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) website, the API readings for all other areas indicated “Moderate” air quality, with Lundu (79), Miri (65), and Bintulu (68) among the higher readings in that range. Only Lubok Antu registered a “Good” level of 45.
API readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, while readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy.
The spike in pollution levels in Mukah is believed to be linked to a forest fire that broke out near Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on July 24, affecting approximately 1.7 acres of land.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine, who visited the site with the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) on Sunday night (July 27), said changing wind directions have caused thick smoke to blanket surrounding areas, although the fire is currently moving away from UiTM and the airport.
“The rain in Mukah earlier this evening has slightly eased the situation. Bomba resumed operations to enter the plantation area immediately after the visit.
“May all efforts go smoothly. Thank you, Bomba Mukah team,” he said on the N57 Tellian Facebook page.
An aerial video shared by the N57 Tellian Facebook page yesterday morning (July 28) showed the fire spreading toward the forest but not toward residential areas.
It noted that yesterday’s (July 28) situation appeared less severe than the previous afternoon.
“Firefighting operations are ongoing with support from various agencies. The State Disaster Management Committee is also considering water bombing and cloud seeding to tackle the worsening haze,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak State Health Department has issued a public advisory urging residents to stay alert for haze-related symptoms such as throat irritation, coughing, watery eyes, sneezing, chest pain, and skin irritation.
“Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, eye problems, heart disease, and chronic lung illnesses are urged to exercise extra caution and seek prompt medical attention if their symptoms worsen,” it said on its Facebook page.
Earlier, in a statement on July 25, Bomba Sarawak said personnel had conducted patrols in the vicinity of Mukah Airport to assess the situation.
“As of now, the Mukah station will continue to conduct regular monitoring patrols to keep the situation under control and ensure the fire does not spread further,” it said.
According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) website, the API readings for all other areas indicated “Moderate” air quality, with Lundu (79), Miri (65), and Bintulu (68) among the higher readings in that range. Only Lubok Antu registered a “Good” level of 45.
API readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, while readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy.
The spike in pollution levels in Mukah is believed to be linked to a forest fire that broke out near Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on July 24, affecting approximately 1.7 acres of land.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine, who visited the site with the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) on Sunday night (July 27), said changing wind directions have caused thick smoke to blanket surrounding areas, although the fire is currently moving away from UiTM and the airport.
“The rain in Mukah earlier this evening has slightly eased the situation. Bomba resumed operations to enter the plantation area immediately after the visit.
“May all efforts go smoothly. Thank you, Bomba Mukah team,” he said on the N57 Tellian Facebook page.
An aerial video shared by the N57 Tellian Facebook page yesterday morning (July 28) showed the fire spreading toward the forest but not toward residential areas.
It noted that yesterday’s (July 28) situation appeared less severe than the previous afternoon.
“Firefighting operations are ongoing with support from various agencies. The State Disaster Management Committee is also considering water bombing and cloud seeding to tackle the worsening haze,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak State Health Department has issued a public advisory urging residents to stay alert for haze-related symptoms such as throat irritation, coughing, watery eyes, sneezing, chest pain, and skin irritation.
“Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, eye problems, heart disease, and chronic lung illnesses are urged to exercise extra caution and seek prompt medical attention if their symptoms worsen,” it said on its Facebook page.
Earlier, in a statement on July 25, Bomba Sarawak said personnel had conducted patrols in the vicinity of Mukah Airport to assess the situation.
“As of now, the Mukah station will continue to conduct regular monitoring patrols to keep the situation under control and ensure the fire does not spread further,” it said.