KUALA LUMPUR: The hazardous haze shrouding Miri has worsened, with the latest reading at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri reaching 412 as of 4pm today (Aug 22).
According to the Department of Environment’s (DoE) constantly-updated website, the air quality in Miri has been consistently recorded at the hazardous level of above 300 since 8am.
Miri last breached the 400 level at 1am on Aug 16.
Earlier today, authorities ordered the shuttering of two schools – Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kuala Baram 2 and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) Chung Hua Tudan – which affected nearly 2,000 students and 110 teachers.
In a statement, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee said they were informed by the state Education Department on the school closures.
Meanwhile, SK Kuala Baram 2 has been registering a very unhealthy reading of above 200 since 2am. The reading currently stands at 225.
A total of 56 areas in the nation recorded moderate readings today, while only ten areas registered good readings.
The API reading is categorised as Good (0-50), Moderate (51-100), Unhealthy (101-200), Very Unhealthy (201-300) and Hazardous (above 300).
On its website, the DoE advised the public to halt open burning activities and reduce outdoor activities.
It also urged motorists to turn their vehicles' headlights on when driving and to consume more water.
The latest readings can be viewed at: http://apims.doe.gov.my/public_v2/home.html