Kanowit only area with very unhealthy air

KUCHING: Kanowit remains the only area in Sarawak recording very unhealthy air quality, with an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 228 as of 5pm today (Sept 22).

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sibu and Betong recorded the highest unhealthy readings at 175 each, followed by Sri Aman at 173 and Mukah at 171.

Sarikei registered 161, Serian 160, while Kuching and Lubok Antu recorded 159 each.

Samarahan recorded 156, Bintulu and Belaga 155 each, Samalaju 153 and ILP Miri 137.

Meanwhile, seven areas recorded moderate air quality, namely Miri at 98, Kapit 97, Tebedu 95, Limbang 88, Lundu 87, Lawas 75 and Bario 64.

Under the API classification, readings of between 0 and 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy and 201 to 300 very unhealthy.

Readings of 301 to 400 are classified as hazardous, while those above 400 fall under the very hazardous category.