SARAWAK’S worsening haze has pushed air quality in two areas into the ‘Very Unhealthy’ category, while firefighting operations continued for a third day to contain large forest fires in Sri Aman and Mukah.
The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) said Tebedu recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 212 as at 4pm, while Serian registered 202.
Another 11 areas were in the ‘Unhealthy’ category, namely Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Lawas.
Five other areas — Mukah, Kapit, ILP Miri, Limbang and Bario — recorded ‘Moderate’ readings.
No area recorded API readings in the ‘Good’ or ‘Hazardous’ categories.
JPBNS said Sarawak’s air quality had been showing a rising trend in API readings since Aug 1.
Between Aug 1 and 11, a total of 75 hotspots were detected in Sarawak, compared with 3,853 hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The prevailing South-west Monsoon, with consistent winds from the south-west, could also contribute to transboundary haze and further deterioration in air quality across Sarawak.
JPBNS said the situation could persist over the coming days if biomass burning outside Sarawak increases.
Following API readings exceeding 200 in the Serian Division, 108 schools were temporarily closed, with home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) continuing to ensure pupils’ education was not disrupted.
The public was urged to refrain from open burning and reduce outdoor activities when air quality reached the ‘Unhealthy’ level or worse.
High-risk groups were advised to limit their exposure to polluted air and avoid strenuous physical activity and outdoor sports if haze conditions deteriorated further.
JPBNS said monitoring of air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and fire incidents would continue in cooperation with relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, firefighting operations at two major forest fires in Sri Aman and Mukah entered their third day.
At Jalan Kejatau-Lingga in Sri Aman, the fire has affected about 80 hectares, with 20 hectares extinguished while the remaining 60 hectares were still burning.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Tiong Ling Hii said firefighters were using a total-flooding method, particularly in peatland areas.
"The fire was reported at noon on Monday and the operation is facing several challenges, including the lack of Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) coverage at the location," he said.
He said strong winds had also caused the fire to spread rapidly, while limited open water sources such as drains and narrow access roads had hampered the movement of firefighting teams.
A total of 12 firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze.
In a separate incident, a fire at Kampung Kut in Daro, Mukah, affected about 8.34 hectares.
Four hectares had been extinguished, while the remaining 4.34 hectares were still affected, with the fire reportedly spreading towards Kampung Sungai Kut.
Firefighters created firebreaks to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
The operation was also hampered by the lack of direct access to the site, forcing firefighters to clear a route and cross a drain from the main road.
Six firefighters from the Daro Fire and Rescue Station were involved in the operation.
Both firefighting operations remain ongoing as authorities work to contain the fires and prevent them from spreading to nearby areas. - August 12, 2026
