Haze worsens in Sarawak as 11 areas record unhealthy air quality

HAZE conditions worsened across Sarawak today, with 11 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings by 4pm, led by Sibu at 175.

Data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Mukah and Sri Aman recording the next-highest readings at 172 each, followed by Sarikei at 160.

Kuching and the Serian district police headquarters recorded 159 each, while Samarahan registered 155, Bintulu 154 and Samalaju 153.

Two other areas were also in the unhealthy category — the Miri Industrial Training Institute at 121 and Kapit at 104.

Under the API classification, readings from 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy, while 201 to 300 are very unhealthy and readings above 300 are hazardous.

Overall, 53 monitoring stations recorded moderate air quality, while four recorded good readings.

No station recorded very unhealthy or hazardous air quality as of 4pm.

The deterioration comes as Malaysia prepares for potentially prolonged hot and dry conditions, with Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup warning that haze could persist into early next year as El Niño strengthens.

“Malaysia is facing a strong El Niño and it has the potential to reach the ‘Super’ (very strong) level from October to January 2027.

“Prolonged dry conditions will increase the risk of open fires, especially in fire-prone areas, which could worsen the haze situation,” he said.

Arthur said Malaysia was prepared to assist Indonesia in tackling forest and land fires, including through aerial firefighting and cloud-seeding operations, as both countries seek to contain the risk of worsening transboundary haze. - September 22, 2026