Twenty-two Malaysian areas hit unhealthy pollution levels, Sarawak worst affected

As of 9am on Friday, 22 monitoring stations across Malaysia registered unhealthy API levels, with Sarawak accounting for the majority of affected areas. The industrial town of Serian in the state's interior posted the highest national reading at 182, placing it firmly in the unhealthy category and raising concerns about respiratory health in the region. Other Sarawak stations also featured prominently among the worst-performing air quality monitors nationwide. The API scale, which measures concentrations of ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particulates, classifies readings between 101 and 200 as unhealthy. Readings above 200 are considered very unhealthy, while anything exceeding 300 is hazardous. The Department of Environment has not yet released official statements regarding the causes of the deterioration, though transboundary haze from regional sources has been a persistent concern in recent years. Health authorities are expected to issue guidance for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities until air quality improves.