Several areas in the northern Borneo state of Sarawak have recorded poor air quality as hot and dry weather persists in the region, according to the Meteorological Department.

Southerly winds, coupled with the expected high number of hotspots in neighboring countries, could trigger transboundary haze and reduce visibility, particularly in southern Sarawak, the department said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), three Sarawak areas, namely Miri with an air pollution index (API) reading of 119, Sarikei (152) and Sri Aman (154), recorded unhealthy readings in the afternoon, down from five areas in the morning.

Separately, one area in Selangor state in Peninsular Malaysia recorded an unhealthy reading at 153.

According to the country's air quality rating, an API reading of zero to 50 is "good," 51 to 100 "moderate," 101 to 200 "unhealthy," 201 to 300 "very unhealthy," and 301 and above is "hazardous."