KUCHING (Sept 13): Lubok Antu was the only station in Sarawak recording very unhealthy air quality as at 9am today, with its Air Pollutant Index (API) standing at 201.

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s (NREB) API Status for Sarawak, the reading places Lubok Antu just into the very unhealthy category, which starts at an API of 201.

Serian recorded the highest reading in the unhealthy category at 185, followed by Sri Aman at 174 and Betong (MCAQM) at 172.

Kuching and Samarahan both registered 156, while Kanowit recorded 148. Tebedu posted an API of 137, followed by Lundu at 122 and Sibu at 109.

Other stations recorded moderate air quality, led by Sarikei at 91, followed by Mukah at 80, Kapit at 76, Bintulu at 74, Miri at 72, Samalaju at 70, Lawas at 63, ILP Miri at 61 and Limbang at 55.

Bario continued to record the state’s only good air quality reading at 50.

Under the API health classification, readings of 0 to 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy and 201 to 300 very unhealthy.

Residents in areas with unhealthy and very unhealthy air quality are advised to reduce prolonged outdoor activities, while children, the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions are advised to take extra precautions.