HAZE conditions intensified across Sarawak on Friday, with eight areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and Serian registering the highest at 183, as authorities stepped up monitoring of deteriorating air quality.
Data from the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed the Serian district police station recorded the state's highest unhealthy reading at 183 as of 7am.
Samarahan and Kuching each recorded an API reading of 172, followed by Sri Aman at 164.
Sarikei recorded 158, Mukah 152, Bintulu 137 and Sibu 109, placing all eight locations in the unhealthy category.
Four other areas recorded moderate air quality, with Samalaju registering an API reading of 97, Miri 85, Kapit 66 and Limbang 55.
The worsening conditions in Sarawak came as schools in parts of Penang remained on alert, with outdoor activities involving pupils to be suspended if air quality remained unhealthy.
Penang Education Department director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad said the department was closely monitoring the situation after APIMS recorded an unhealthy reading at the Minden station in George Town on Thursday.
"We are monitoring the API readings from time to time and are currently taking action based on the guidelines set by the Ministry of Education. Schools located in areas with unhealthy API readings will continue to operate as usual, but no outdoor activities are permitted as a precautionary measure.
"Seven schools, comprising four primary schools and three secondary schools, are located around Minden. If the API reading remains unhealthy tomorrow morning, the schools will suspend all outdoor activities," he told Bernama last night.
The Minden station recorded an API reading of 107 at about noon before falling to 103 an hour later.
The reading subsequently improved to the moderate category at 3pm, reaching 97, before easing further to 96 at 8pm.
At 8pm, the Balik Pulau, Seberang Perai and Seberang Jaya stations also recorded moderate readings ranging between 84 and 95.
Mohamad Dziauddin said he would meet all head teachers and principals at 11am on Friday to provide the latest information and outline measures should haze conditions or API readings deteriorate further.
He advised pupils to wear face masks and drink plenty of water, while schools should immediately refer pupils who become unwell to their parents or guardians.
Under the guidelines for managing schools during haze episodes, schools must suspend all outdoor activities involving pupils when API readings exceed 100.
If readings exceed 200, all schools in the affected area or district must be closed immediately.
When API readings exceed 500, teachers and school staff are not required to report for duty.
The guidelines also state that schools may reopen once API readings fall below 200 and show a downward trend. - August 14, 2026
