Screengrab from the satellite image of ASMC shows the movement of the moderate to dense smoke haze drifting from West Kalimantan. — The Borneo Post pic First Published: Friday, 07 Aug 2026 1:16 PM MYT KUCHING, Aug 7 — Kuching and Samarahan recorded unhealthy readings on the Air Pollutant Index (API) on Friday morning.According to data from the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), as of 10am, Kuching recorded an API reading of 133, while Samarahan recorded 135.Other districts in Sarawak recorded moderate readings, including Sarikei at 90, Sri Aman and Sibu at 86, Bintulu at 83, Mukah at 76 and Samalaju at 75.An API reading between 101 and 200 is categorised as unhealthy and may pose health risks to sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions.Meanwhile, the latest data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), updated at 5.22pm on August 6, showed widespread hotspots detected in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed drifting northwards from West Kalimantan into western parts of Sarawak. — The Borneo Post