Source: Environment Division of Asean Secretariat
Just heard from a friend that Kuching is blanketed by a haze. Visibility is down to just about 1km.
The Department of Environment reveals that Sibu and Sri Aman both have API readings of 105 (unhealthy) at 11.00am. But the readings for Kuching and Samarahan show only 84 and 99 (“moderate”).
The smog is hitting some areas badly – and it is probably caused by fires and open burning in surrounding areas.
The API reading in Bintulu at 5.00pm was 110, Miri – 121, Samarahan – 111 and Port Klang – 113. Anything above 100 is unhealthy.
A contact in Sarawak told me that a friend of his on a flight from Kuching to Sibu tonight spotted open fires all around as the plane approached Sibu.
Two Sundays ago, another friend of his driving from Bintulu to Kuching spotted similar open burning along the way.
What are the authorities doing about such open burning?
Visibility has been reduced to 1.0 – 1.5km in the Samarahan area, according to a contact in Sarawak.
