Serian’s API rose above 500 at 8am on Friday and reached 518 by 10am. Kuching was also in the hazardous range at 310 at 10am. At the IPD Serian monitoring station, the sequence was 495 at 7am, 502 at 8am, 510 at 9am and 518 at 10am. Elsewhere, Lundu (323), Tebedu (345) and Lubok Antu (398) were hazardous, while Samarahan (281) and Sri Aman (245) were very unhealthy. An API above 300 is classified as hazardous. Sarawak authorities had identified 500 as the threshold that could trigger an emergency declaration for the affected locality, but the reports carrying the 10am readings did not announce one. The 10am figures are a snapshot, not an all-day forecast. The Department of Environment updates MyEQMS hourly; check the latest station reading before heading outdoors and cut back on prolonged outdoor activity while the index remains hazardous.

Haze remains a health concern across Sarawak Air quality in nine Sarawak locations was still in the unhealthy range at 4pm today, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s Daily Haze Watch. The affected locations are Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Tebedu, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Lundu. Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) eased slightly from 177 at 8am to 174 at 4pm. The Kuching Division Health Office advised residents to cut down on outdoor activities, wear a mask if going outside is unavoidable, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. Children, seniors, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart and respiratory conditions should take extra care. Seek medical attention if you develop worrying symptoms. [image: 1786615608468-sarawak-haze-aug13.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Photo: Roystein Emmor / The Borneo Post What is the air like in your area?

Haze blankets Sarawak — Serian hits API 190, Kuching at 167 as unhealthy air spreads across 11 areas {img0} Another hazy day in Sarawak. As of 6pm yesterday (Aug 11), Serian recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in the state at 190 — firmly in the unhealthy range. Kuching wasnt far behind at 167, while Samarahan (168), Bintulu (159), Sibu (155), Sri Aman (157), Samalaju (155), Sarikei (155), Mukah (154), and Miri (142) all logged unhealthy readings. Only Limbang (73) and Kapit (78) managed moderate air quality. At the same time, METMalaysia issued a thunderstorm warning for Bintulu (Tatau) and Sibu (Selangau & Sibu) valid until 9pm, which could bring some temporary relief. With API levels expected to remain elevated, residents across Kuching and Sarawak are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when necessary. Location: Serian, Kuching & multiple areas across Sarawak Details: API 190 in Serian; 11 areas record unhealthy readings; thunderstorm warning for Bintulu & Sibu Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should schools be closed when API crosses 150?