Tawau today recorded an unhealthy air pollutant index (API) with a reading of 101 as at 7am today, according to the daily air quality update posted on the Department of Environment's website.

Yesterday, the API in this east coast town of Sabah was moderate at 88 in the evening and 94 in the morning. Tawau is located about 560 kilometres from the state capital Kota Kinabalu.

The air quality in other areas in Sabah was moderate with Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu recording a reading of 66 each while Keningau was 65.

The API reading in Labuan was 89.

Yesterday three areas in Sarawak - Sarikei, Sibu and Sri Aman - recorded unhealthy readings.

A reading of 0-50 indicates good air quality, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), 300 and above (hazardous).

- Bernama