(Kuching, 12th) As of 8am today, Bintulu’s Air Pollution Index (API) has recorded 206, reaching the "very unhealthy" level and becoming Sarawak’s only monitoring station to exceed the 200 threshold. Meanwhile, air quality in Sarawak’s southern region continues to worsen, with Serian recording 194, Kuching 172, and Samarahan 170, all falling under the "unhealthy" category.
According to the latest API data released by the Sarawak Department of Natural Resources and Environment, haze has spread across most of the state. Out of 17 air monitoring stations, 13 have recorded unhealthy air quality levels.
Besides Bintulu, other areas with high API readings include Serian (194), Kuching (172), Samarahan (170), Lubok Antu (168), and Sarikei (161).
Other regions still at unhealthy levels include Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (157), Sibu (151), Samalaju (152), Miri (133), and Lunau (112).
Only six locations across the state recorded moderate air quality: Mukah (100), Miri Industrial Training Institute (ILP Miri, 93), Limbang (76), Lawas (74), Kapit (70), and Bario (64).
According to Malaysia’s API classification standard, readings from 101 to 200 are considered "unhealthy" and pose health risks especially to patients with heart and lung diseases; readings from 201 to 300 fall under the "very unhealthy" category, potentially affecting public health on a wider scale and reducing the ability to perform physical activities.
Health authorities generally advise the public to minimize prolonged outdoor activities during periods of unhealthy air quality. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases should be especially vigilant and take extra protective measures.
As the haze situation worsens and concerns over health and safety rise, the Sarawak Education Department has also directed all educational institutions in the state to suspend outdoor activities involving students once the API in their area exceeds 100.
Besides Bintulu, other areas with high API readings include Serian (194), Kuching (172), Samarahan (170), Lubok Antu (168), and Sarikei (161).
Other regions still at unhealthy levels include Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (157), Sibu (151), Samalaju (152), Miri (133), and Lunau (112).
Only six locations across the state recorded moderate air quality: Mukah (100), Miri Industrial Training Institute (ILP Miri, 93), Limbang (76), Lawas (74), Kapit (70), and Bario (64).
According to Malaysia’s API classification standard, readings from 101 to 200 are considered "unhealthy" and pose health risks especially to patients with heart and lung diseases; readings from 201 to 300 fall under the "very unhealthy" category, potentially affecting public health on a wider scale and reducing the ability to perform physical activities.
Health authorities generally advise the public to minimize prolonged outdoor activities during periods of unhealthy air quality. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases should be especially vigilant and take extra protective measures.
As the haze situation worsens and concerns over health and safety rise, the Sarawak Education Department has also directed all educational institutions in the state to suspend outdoor activities involving students once the API in their area exceeds 100.