Unhealthy air quality in Kuching

KUCHING: Kuching recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in Sarawak at 152 as of 10am today, placing the city in the unhealthy category, after several days of relatively clear conditions.

According to data from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Serian also recorded the second-highest reading at 145, also falling under the unhealthy category, while Samarahan registered an API reading of 91, classified as moderate.

Other areas recorded lower readings, with Sri Aman at 76, Sibu (61), Bintulu (62), Samalaju (58), Miri and LPL Miri (54), Limbang at 52, Lundu (91, Tebedu (98) and Lubok Antu (79).

Meanwhile, Sarikei recorded 49, Mukah (42), Kapit (40), Kanowit (35), Lawas (52), Bario (54) and Betong (84).

The NREB data showed that Kuching and Serian were the only monitoring stations recording unhealthy API readings at the time of the update.

Under the API classification, readings between 101 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy, while readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate.

The API is calculated based on a 24-hour running average of the most dominant pollutant parameter, according to the NREB.

Residents, particularly those sensitive to air pollution, are advised to monitor the latest API readings and limit prolonged outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates.