(UPDATED) Air quality in Sarawak continues to deteriorate

KUCHING, Aug 9 2026:  Air quality in Sarawak has continued to deteriorate with nine districts registering Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy level as at 12noon today,

Caption: The hazy conditions blanketing Kuching

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the API reading for Serian is the highest in the state at 170 .

This is followed by Samarahan (156), Bintulu (155), Kuching (154), Sri Aman (153), Sarikei (133), Samalaju (152), Miri (117) and Tebedu (116).

Other districts with API readings at 90 and above are Lundu (99), Mukah (95),  Sibu (93) and ILP Miri (92),

The API reading for Bario is the lowest at 62 and Lawas at 65. 

]API Levels and Meanings:

Good (0–50): Air quality is safe; pollution poses little or no risk.

Moderate (51–100): Air quality is acceptable, though sensitive individuals may experience minor issues.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease may face health effects.

Unhealthy (151–200): General public health effects can occur; sensitive groups may experience more serious issues.

Very Unhealthy (201–300): Health alert warning of emergency conditions for the entire population.

Hazardous (301–500): Emergency warning; everyone is likely to be heavily affected and should avoid outdoor activities.