World · Malaysia Bureau
Serian air quality hits hazardous levels as API soars to 518
The Sarawak district of Serian recorded a hazardous Air Pollutant Index reading of 518 on Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to consider declaring an emergency as air quality deteriorates significantly.
LSN Malaysia ·
SERIAN: Air quality in the Sarawak district of Serian has reached hazardous levels, with the Air Pollutant Index climbing to 518 as of 10 am on Wednesday. The reading places the district well into the hazardous category, which typically begins at API levels of 400 and above, posing serious health risks to residents.
At hazardous API levels, all members of the general public are advised to remain indoors and avoid outdoor activities. People with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of severe air pollution at these concentrations.
Local authorities have indicated that an emergency declaration may be forthcoming as the air quality crisis continues. Such a declaration would typically trigger additional measures to protect public health and reduce pollution sources in the affected area.
The hazardous reading underscores ongoing air quality challenges in parts of Sarawak, which periodically experiences significant pollution events. Residents and businesses in Serian are urged to monitor official updates from state environmental and health authorities regarding the situation and recommended precautions.