Parts of Sarawak Record Hazardous API Readings as Haze Worsens, Emergency To Be Declared If API Hits 500

Malaysia has been hit by a sudden bout of haze, with the situation worsening in Sarawak, where Serian recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading.

According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) data as of 6 AM today, Kuching recorded an API reading of 405, followed by Samarahan (369), Sri Aman (355) and Sarikei (328).

Sarawak records “hazardous” air pollution index reading

This shows that air quality across much of Sarawak is getting worse, with several areas recording API readings above 200, which could pose health risks to residents.

Five areas have recorded API readings in the “hazardous” category, with Serian recording the highest at 415, while Kuching came in at 405.

Meanwhile, four other areas recorded “very unhealthy” readings, with Sibu recording 298, followed by Mukah (228), Samalaju (218) and Bintulu (221).

Another four areas recorded “unhealthy” API readings, with ILP Miri recording the highest at 184, followed by Miri (178), Kapit (176) and Limbang (166).

Sarawak’s air quality has worsened since August

According to Harian Metro, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian revealed yesterday that the worsening air quality since early August has also been accompanied by a rise in health-related cases.

He said the average number of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) cases had increased from around 1,717 a week at the beginning of the year to 1,752 a week in recent weeks.

Conjunctivitis cases have also gone up, with an average of around 21 cases reported each week compared with 17 previously.

Meanwhile, Kosmo! reported that Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said areas with API readings reaching 500 would be declared under an emergency by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

However, the emergency declaration would only apply to the affected areas and not the whole of Sarawak.

Stay tuned to WORLD OF BUZZ for more updates!

Also read: “You have plantations here too” – Indonesian Politician Tells Malaysia & Singapore to Help Prevent Haze