SIBU: Most parts of Sarawak are experiencing clearer sky following heavy rain, resulting in most areas recording a moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of below 80.
As of noon yesterday, Sri Aman, Kuching and Serian recorded readings of 65, 88, and 70 respectively, a significant improvement compared to Monday, which saw readings of 154, 133, and 128 respectively.
An API reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is moderate and 101-200 is unhealthy.
According to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), over the next few days, isolated showers are forecast over much of Kalimantan which will bring some respite to the hotspots and haze situation there.
Showers are also forecast over Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and the northern parts of Sumatra.
Dry conditions are expected over the rest of the southern Asean region where localised hotspots and smoke plumes are likely to happen, with prevailing winds over the region forecast to blow from the southeast or south.
In a statement yesterday, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak said it would continue to implement various measures to ensure there was no open burning to contribute to the haze.
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These measures include activating the haze SOP, including conducting active field patrols and checking hotspots with other agencies such as the Sarawak Environment Department, even as the awareness programme with other agencies on the open burning ban continues, along with the continued open burning ban for all project developers.
NREB said that since Sept 1, API readings in Sri Aman, Kuching and Serian were at unhealthy levels due to open burning occurring in neighbouring countries.
“Based on ASMC, a total of 1,059 hotspots were detected in nearby regions on the four days in question. This has caused the API readings in Sri Aman to be at an unhealthy level (ranging from 100 to 155) during the four days in question. Meanwhile, API readings in Kuching and Serian started recording unhealthy readings from Sept 4,” it added.
“The public is advised to continue taking measures when facing periods of hot and dry weather, including drinking enough water and reducing outdoor activities and wearing face masks for those who do outdoor activities, especially high-risk groups,” it added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said NREB and the state Environment Department would take stern action against those conducting open burning.
He said SDMC had also tasked the Civil Defence Force and the Fire and Rescue Department to be on standby for any fire.