KUCHING (Sept 4): The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at IPD Serian surged to 510 at 9am on Friday, indicating very hazardous air quality as haze conditions worsened across Sarawak.

The latest readings from the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) marks a further deterioration from the API of 495 recorded at the station at 7am.

Meanwhile, several parts of the state recording hazardous and very unhealthy air quality amid the ongoing haze.

Kuching’s reading soared past the 300 mark to 306, while Samarahan recorded an API reading of 279, followed by Sri Aman at 248, placing both in the very unhealthy category.

Sarikei recorded an API reading of 180, Sibu 176 and Mukah 171, placing all three areas in the unhealthy category.

Bintulu recorded 158 and Samalaju 152, while the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri registered 125.

Meanwhile, Limbang recorded an API reading of 96, Miri 91 and Kapit 90, all within the moderate category.

On Aug 31, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that should the API reach the 500 mark, the committee would immediately escalate the issue to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in Kuala Lumpur to facilitate further action in accordance with NADMA Directive No 1, with NADMA to determine whether a state of emergency should be declared.