Haze: Serian records API 213, highest air pollution level in Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Serian in Sarawak continued to record a very unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading due to haze this afternoon.

Based on checks on the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, the monitoring station at the Serian District Police Headquarters (IPD) recorded a reading of 213 as of 4.30 pm.

Eight other areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy API readings, namely Samarahan (186), Kuching (183), Sarikei (174), Miri Industrial Training Institute (166), Samalaju (165), Sri Aman (159), Bintulu (157) and Mukah (151). 

Areas with unhealthy air quality in Kuala Lumpur were Batu Muda (169) and Cheras (159); while those in Selangor were Johan Setia (161), Shah Alam (157), Banting (154) and Klang (118); as well as Putrajaya (157).

Also recording unhealthy status were Jerantut (161) and Temerloh (140) in Pahang; Segamat (159), Batu Pahat (155), Kluang (155), Tangkak (152) and Larkin (127) in Johor; Nilai (157), Seremban (155) and Port Dickson (117) in Negeri Sembilan; Tanjung Malim (156) and Tasek Ipoh (154) in Perak; as wel as Bukit Rambai (156), Alor Gajah (152) and Bandaraya Melaka (105) in Melaka.

In total, 31 areas nationwide were reported to be at a moderate level, while five areas recorded good readings.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above as hazardous. — Bernama