Although API reading still at moderate level, weatherman hopes for rain
KUCHING: The health of Sarawakians is again at risk with the reappearance of smoke haze blown across the border from Kalimantan, Indonesia where the pollution originates. Fortunately, so far, the Air Pollution Index (API) readings, which measure air quality status at any particular area based on the average concentration of air pollutants, were moderate at all locations in state.
According to apims.doe. gov.my website, below 50 points indicates good air quality, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy and more than 300 is considered hazardous. The classification noted, for instance, that an unhealthy API could worsen the health condition of high-risk people who have heart and lung complications which can result in bronchitis and asthma.
Apart from that, common symptoms of exposure to the haze include irritation and inflammation of the eyes, nose and throat in addition to dizziness, stress and headaches.
As at 7pm yesterday, API readings at all stations in the state monitored by the Department of Environment were moderate.
The stations readings were ILP Miri (77), Sri Aman (75), Samarahan (74) and Kuching (70), Bintulu and Sibu at 69 points, Mukah (68), Sarikei and Miri (67), Samalaju (65), Kapit (61) — only Limbang recorded six points above the ‘Good’ reading mark. Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh when contacted by the New Sarawak Tribune said there was no cause for alarm regarding
recent haze conditions for the following days.
Although there have been reports of peat fires around Miri Industrial Training Institute, the API reading is still within the 70’s (moderate level). Wind readings show that Kalimantan’s smoke was blown to the southern and central regions of Sarawak. “The wind blowing from east to west is bringing up smoke from forest fires in West Kalimantan (Kalbar) into the
southern and central regions of Sarawak. “We are hoping for some rain to come in four to six days’ time to ease the situation,” he said.
As precautionary measures, members of the public are advised to stay indoors and only go out when necessary as the air is not fit to breathe despite having moderate readings. “Wear a respiratory mask such as the N95 mask which can filter out airborne particles from the air. “Always stay hydrated throughout the day by increasing water intake as much as possible to the help the
kidneys flush away toxins. Also always wash ones’ handsand face.”
