867 hotspots detected in Kalimantan, Sumatra

KUCHING: A total of 867 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra as moderate transboundary smoke haze continued to affect northwestern Borneo.

The Department of Environment (DOE), citing an ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report dated September 23, said 792 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and 75 in Sumatra.

No hotspots were detected in Malaysia, including Sarawak.

ASMC also reported moderate-to-dense smoke plumes emanating from clusters of hotspots across many parts of Kalimantan and southern Sumatra.

Meanwhile, three areas in Sarawak continued to record Very Unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 5:00 pm today (Sept. 24).

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Kanowit recorded the highest API at 216, followed by Lundu at 207 and Lubok Antu at 205.

Serian, which recorded a Very Unhealthy reading of 211 at noon, improved to 197 at 5:00 pm, placing it in the Unhealthy category.

Kuching recorded an API of 187, followed by Tebedu at 186, Samarahan 176, Betong 174 and Sri Aman 173.

Bintulu recorded 161, Belaga 160, Sarikei 157, Sibu 156, Samalaju 154 and Kapit 139.

Meanwhile, Mukah, Miri, ILP Miri, Limbang, Lawas and Bario recorded Moderate readings ranging from 70 to 96.