Air Quality Deteriorates in Sarawak as Risk of Transboundary Haze Rises

Dragon Media News Desk

Several areas in Malaysia’s northern Borneo state of Sarawak have recorded unhealthy air quality as hot and dry weather continues across the region.

According to Malaysia’s Meteorological Department, southerly winds, together with an expected increase in the number of hotspots in neighboring countries, could contribute to transboundary haze and reduce visibility, particularly in southern Sarawak.

Data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System showed that three areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality readings on Sunday afternoon.

Miri registered an Air Pollutant Index reading of 119, Sarikei 152 and Sri Aman 154. The number of areas recording unhealthy air quality had fallen from five in the morning to three by the afternoon.

Separately, one area in Selangor state in Peninsular Malaysia recorded an unhealthy API reading of 153.

Under Malaysia’s air quality classification system, an API reading of zero to 50 is categorized as “good,” 51 to 100 as “moderate,” 101 to 200 as “unhealthy,” 201 to 300 as “very unhealthy,” and 301 or above as “hazardous.”

The Meteorological Department said continued hot and dry conditions could further increase the risk of transboundary haze in affected areas.