Four areas in Sarawak and Johor record unhealthy API as haze persists

KUALA LUMPUR: Four air quality monitoring stations recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8.30am today, with Sri Aman, Sarawak recording the highest reading at 151.

According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Serian was the other air quality monitoring station in Sarawak to record an unhealthy API reading, at 120.

The other two stations recording unhealthy API readings were in Pasir Gudang and Larkin, both in Johor, at 147 and 110 respectively.

Sixty-one air quality monitoring stations recorded moderate API readings, while two stations recorded good API readings.

No stations recorded API readings at very unhealthy or hazardous levels as of 8.30am today.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are hazardous.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in a statement issued at 7am, said thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds were expected in several states this morning.

The warning covers Sepang, Kuala Langat and Klang in Selangor; Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan; Melaka; and Tangkak and Muar in Johor.

In Sarawak, a similar warning was issued for Betong, including Kabong, Pusa and Saratok; Sarikei; Mukah; Bintulu; Limbang; Kapit, including Kapit, Bukit Mabong and Belaga; and Sri Aman, including Sri Aman and Lubok Antu.

In Sabah, the warning covers the Interior, namely Beaufort, Kuala Penyu and Sipitang.

According to MetMalaysia, a thunderstorm warning is issued when there are signs of rainfall with an intensity exceeding 20mm per hour that is imminent or expected to continue for more than an hour.

"Thunderstorm warnings are short-term warnings valid for no more than six hours for each issuance," it said.