Sarawak reports unhealthy air quality due to transboundary haze

Several regions in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, are experiencing unhealthy air quality due to transboundary haze. The Department of Environment (JAS) reported that multiple areas in Sarawak, including Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian, recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

Satellite imagery from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) identified hundreds of hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, and several in Sumatra, which are contributing to the smoke drifting into Malaysia. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the state will raise concerns regarding the haze through the ASEAN Transboundary Haze Committee to address the impact of open burning in neighboring Kalimantan.

In response to the deteriorating conditions, Sarawak has requested cloud seeding to mitigate the haze and address declining water levels in dams. While some areas have seen slight improvements in air quality due to recent rainfall, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have activated national haze action plans.