PUTRAJAYA — Serian recorded a very unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 211 as several areas in Sarawak continued to experience unhealthy air quality as of noon today, according to the Department of Environment (DOE).
The DOE said nine other areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy API readings, with Kuching registering 193, Samarahan 186, Sri Aman 169, Bintulu 168, Samalaju 159, Sibu 159, Sarikei 157, Mukah 129 and Kapit 115.
It said the readings were recorded amid continuing dry weather in parts of the southern ASEAN region.
According to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report on Sept 23, 792 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and 75 in Sumatra, while no hotspots were detected in Malaysia or Sarawak.
The ASMC also reported moderate transboundary smoke haze over northwestern Borneo, with moderate to dense smoke plumes originating from clusters of hotspots in several areas of Kalimantan and southern Sumatra.
The DOE said it was continuing to monitor the risk of fires, particularly in peatland and landfill areas that are vulnerable during hot and dry weather.
It said fires in these areas could produce smoke and pollutants that may affect local air quality if not promptly controlled.
The department is also stepping up inspections and patrols at high-risk areas, including agricultural land, peatlands, plantations and landfill sites, while monitoring API readings, hotspots and transboundary haze developments.
The DOE said enforcement action would be taken based on inspections, investigations and evidence gathered in the field.
Under the haze management mechanism, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) may activate the Disaster Management Committee when API readings exceed 150 for more than 24 hours.
The mechanism also provides for the suspension of outdoor school activities when API exceeds 100, closure of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres when API exceeds 200, and cloud seeding operations, subject to suitable cloud and weather conditions, when API exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours.
The DOE urged the public not to conduct open burning, particularly during hot and dry conditions and when air quality reaches unhealthy or hazardous levels.
Under the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024, open burning offences can carry a fine of between RM25,000 and RM1 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. A compound of up to 50 per cent of the maximum fine may also be imposed for each offence.
The public is advised to report fires or open burning immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department via 999 or the DOE at 1-800-88-2727.
The latest hourly API readings can be checked through the DOE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), the official MyJAS EQMS application and the department’s official website and channels.
DOE Deputy Director-General (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said the department would continue to monitor and assess air quality and haze conditions while strengthening cooperation with NADMA, the Sarawak state government and relevant agencies to ensure coordinated action.
