Serian nears emergency pollution level as air-quality index reaches 495

Serian in Sarawak is nearing an emergency level of air pollution after its air-quality index reached 495 at 7 a.m. The reading is just below the index’s maximum of 500, according to Malaysia’s Department of Environment air-quality management portal.

Three other areas in Sarawak recorded very unhealthy conditions: Kuching at 289, Samarahan at 265 and Sri Aman at 250. Six more locations in Sarawak were classified as unhealthy, including Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju and the Miri Industrial Training Institute. Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic in Sabah also recorded unhealthy readings.

The index classifies readings from zero to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, and 201 to 300 as very unhealthy. Readings above 300 are considered hazardous.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas was previously reported as saying the state was ready to declare an emergency if haze pollution reached a critical level. The statement followed the cancellation of the state-level National Day celebration.