started · updated
Sarawak haze reaches hazardous levels as cloud seeding begins
Hazardous haze caused by Indonesian forest fires has severely impacted air quality across Sarawak, Malaysia, and parts of Singapore. In Sarawak, several districts including Serian, Kuching, and Samarahan have recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) levels exceeding 300, with some areas approaching the 500 threshold that could trigger a local emergency declaration.
In response, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is scheduled to conduct cloud seeding operations from September 3 to 5 in Sarawak, Kedah, and Perlis. In Sarawak, operations will target eight specific locations, including the Batang Ai, Bakun, and Murum dams. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with MetMalaysia and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, also aims to replenish depleted reservoirs.
Authorities in Sabah have activated disaster operation centers as air quality nears unhealthy levels. Meanwhile, Singapore's Meteorological Service has warned of potential haze in the first half of September, depending on the intensity of regional fires and prevailing wind patterns. Sarawak officials have noted that the transboundary haze remains a diplomatic issue involving Indonesia.
Entities
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi · Department of Water Supply Rural · Douglas Uggah Embas · Indonesia · Malaysia Meteorological Department · Meteorological Service Singapore · NADMA · National Disaster Management Agency · Sarawak · Sarawak Energy Berhad · Sarawak Government · Singapore
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cloud seeding operations are being conducted in haze-affected areas in collaboration with METMalaysia and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. www.malay.news · malaysiatribune.news
- [DISPUTED] Serian recorded the highest API reading in Sarawak at 451. www.skynightly.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Asthma cases at sentinel facilities increased more than eightfold to 1,811 cases during Epidemiological Week 34.
- [● 2 SOURCES] An emergency declaration would trigger the closure of schools, government offices, and private workplaces in the affected area. sabahnews.com.my
- [● 2 SOURCES] Four locations in Sarawak, including Serian, Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman, recorded API levels above 300. www.malay.news · berita.rtm.gov.my
- [● 4 SOURCES] An emergency declaration in Sarawak would only apply to specific areas where the API reaches 500. malaysiatribune.news · www.utusan.com.my · www.skynightly.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] NADMA will conduct cloud seeding operations in Sarawak, Kedah, and Perlis between September 3 and 5. www.malay.news · malaysiatribune.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] Singapore faces a potential haze risk in the first half of September due to regional fires and prevailing winds. www.tabla.com.sg · goodyfeed.com
- [DISPUTED] Serian recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 475, the highest in Sarawak. sarawakdaily.com · www.skynightly.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cloud seeding in Sarawak will be implemented at eight specific locations, including Batang Ai, Bakun, and Murum. www.malay.news · malaysiatribune.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sarawak officials have characterized the transboundary haze as a diplomatic issue involving Indonesia. www.skynightly.com