Kuching, Samarahan record unhealthy Air Pollution Index reading amidst cross-border haze concerns

The AQI reading for Kuching as of 2pm. Credit: aqicn.org

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 6: Kuching and Samarahan recorded unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) levels as of 1pm today, with Kuching reaching an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 102 and Samarahan at 99.

According to data from the website aqicn.org, other districts in Sarawak reported moderate AQI levels, including Sri Aman (75), Sarikei (74), Miri (71), Sibu (69), Bintulu (69), Samalaju (69), Mukah (65), Limbang (59), and Kapit (57).

Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak’s Controller of Environmental Quality, Jack Liam, issued a statement warning of potential cross-border haze and deteriorating air quality due to the ongoing Southwest Monsoon phase, which began on May 17 and is expected to end in September 2024.

Liam noted that Sarawak’s air quality has shown an increasing trend in API readings since Sept 1.

“As of 9am today, the Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) in Serian recorded an unhealthy API reading,” he said.

The ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) also reported a rise in hot spots detected between Sept 1-5, with 20 hot spots in Sarawak and 1,825 in Kalimantan during the same period. — DayakDaily

AQI readings for others districts throughout Sarawak.