KUCHING: Patches of blue sky can finally be seen for the first time over Sarawak as the haze slowly dissipates.
And it was back to school for thousands of children yesterday—schools were shut since last week due to the hazardous air quality—now that Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have improved and no longer above 200 (very unhealthy to hazardous).
Cloud seeding operations carried out last Friday to Sunday also worked their magic, and readings across the state as at 6pm yesterday were generally favourable.
Only Sri Aman—at 106—had an ‘unhealthy’ status. Other parts could breathe easier with Limbang recording 53, ILP Miri – 72, Miri – 72, Samalaju – 64, Bintulu – 60, Mukah – 64, Kapit – 52, Sibu – 65, Sarikei – 66, Samarahan – 64 and Kuching – 72.
Although readings have dropped, the public are still encouraged to be safe rather than sorry by staying hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities, wearing a face mask (the N95 type) and most importantly, no open burning.
In a statement issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department last Tuesday, the monsoon season is expected to begin today and will last until end of November.
During this time, the regions in Malaysia will be experiencing winds from various directions — low speeds and potential for thunderstorm formations.
During the monsoon transition phase, the most common weather conditions are thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and strong winds over short periods of time, especially in the late afternoons and early evenings in most of the states on the west coast and inland Peninsular, west coast of Sabah, west coast and central Sarawak.
