Kuala lumpur: Sibu is the latest area in Sarawak to record an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading, bringing the total number of locations in that category to nine as of 9 am today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal shows that Kuching recorded the highest reading at 167, followed by Samarahan with 164 and Serian at 163. Other areas with unhealthy readings include Sarikei at 157, Bintulu at 156, Sri Aman at 154, Mukah at 152, Sibu at 131, and Samalaju at 126.

Meanwhile, 46 areas nationwide recorded moderate API readings, while 13 areas maintained good air quality. The API reading scale indicates that 0 to 50 reflects good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 are categorized as hazardous.

API data is released hourly from 68 air quality monitoring stations across the nation.