MIRI, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The haze has enveloped Miri City again after two-days of bush fires razed about 200 acres or 80 hectares of forest near Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Kuala Baram.

A check with the Department of Environment (DOE) Air Pollution Index (API) (apims.doe.gov.my) website showed that the API readings at the ILP as of 1pm Sunday was 299 which was at an unhealthy level while for Miri it was at a healthy level of 42.

However, despite the healthy API level at Miri, the smell of smoke from the bush fire could be felt at the town centre here.

Miri Fire and Rescue Service Chief Law Poh Kong said at the moment the bush fires were still under control but strong winds posed a big challenge for the firemen.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above (dangerous).

-- BERNAMA