Air quality in Kuching breaches ‘unhealthy’ mark
KUCHING: The air quality in Kuching Division reached ‘ unhealthy’ stage yesterday following an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 102.
The reading, recorded at 5pm by the Department of Environment, showed the air quality here was the worst among all towns and cities in the country.
The only good news for Kuchingites is that the 5pm reading was lower the 107 reading recorded at 8am yesterday.
Other towns and cities in Sarawak recorded moderate air quality throughout yesterday, with readings ranging from 57 in Kapit to 93 in Samarahan.
An API reading from 0- 50 indicates good air quality, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201- 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above (dangerous).
Meanwhile, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian advised children and pregnant women, as well as those suffering from heart complications and asthma, to do less outdoor activities during this current dry and hazy spell.
“If possible, avoid any outsideof-home activity. While outside, make sure you use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth,” he said when contacted.
He added those with heart complication or lung disease must always take their medicine on time, and that anyone experiencing sudden difficulty in breathing or having continuous cough, eye infection or acute asthma, to immediately go to the nearest clinic or hospital.
“Take heed of general cleanliness such as washing your hands and face frequently. Drink more water and avoid alcohol during this period,” he advised.