Serian, Lundu record unhealthy air quality

KUCHING: Two areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 3pm today (Sept 28), while 15 of the 21 locations monitored had moderate air quality.

The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) recorded the highest API reading in Serian at 156, followed by Lundu at 104, with both locations in the unhealthy category.

Among the areas with moderate readings were Kuching at 90, Samarahan at 88, Sri Aman at 78, Betong at 76 and Tebedu at 72.

Other locations with moderate air quality included Bintulu at 61, Samalaju at 58, Kanowit at 57, Kapit at 56, Sarikei and Mukah at 55 each, and Sibu and Limbang at 53 each.

Miri recorded an API reading of 52, while Lubok Antu stood at 97.

Meanwhile, four locations recorded good air quality, with Belaga registering the lowest API reading in the state at 24.

Bario recorded an API of 28, while Lawas stood at 48. The Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri monitoring station recorded a reading of 47.

Under the API classification, readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, while those between 101 and 200 fall within the unhealthy category.

At unhealthy levels, air pollution may aggravate existing health conditions among high-risk individuals, particularly those with heart and lung complications.