January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
KUCHING, July 25 — Air quality in Kuching has declined to an unhealthy level, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) hitting 112 as of 2pm.
According to the Department of Environment’s (DoE) Air Pollution Index Management System (Apims), Kuching recorded the second highest API in the country at that time, behind Johan Setia in Klang, Selangor, which registered a reading of 152.
Other areas in Sarawak remained in the moderate range, although Sri Aman (96) and Mukah (92) were nearing the unhealthy threshold.
API readings between 51 and 100 are classified as moderate, while those ranging from 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy.
Earlier this morning, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) reported that Lundu recorded an unhealthy API of 125 at 8am, which slightly decreased to 123 by noon.
According to findings from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) yesterday, air quality in Sarawak is expected to worsen due to widespread open burning and numerous hotspots detected near the Sarawak–Kalimantan Barat border, particularly around Lundu.
Satellite data from ASMC also showed multiple hotspots across Sarawak this week, especially in the western and central regions.
Clusters were identified in Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, and Betong divisions, with additional hotspots south of Sibu and scattered around Kapit. Smaller numbers were also observed near Mukah and northeast of Bintulu.
ASMC noted that dry weather continues to affect the southern ASEAN region, including Sarawak. While only a few isolated hotspots were recorded in Sarawak and Sumatra, more widespread hotspots were seen in Kalimantan. — The Borneo Post
