Unhealthy air in Sarawak from Kalimantan fires

Kuching, Sarawak, is experiencing hazy conditions as haze continues to impact parts of Borneo. Southern Sarawak is recording unhealthy air quality, while Pontianak, Indonesia, reports very unhealthy air conditions due to forest and land fires in Kalimantan. The Borneo Post notes that Sarawak's highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 162 was recorded in Serian, followed by 140 in Samarahan and 139 in Kuching.

An API reading between 101 and 200 is classified as "unhealthy" and may pose health risks, especially to vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Pontianak recorded an Air Quality Index of 226, placing it in the "very unhealthy" category. The Asean Meteorological Centre reported 905 hotspots in Kalimantan over three days, compared to just six in Sarawak, indicating Indonesia remains the primary source of the haze.

Forest and land fires have worsened air quality in Pontianak, with smoke seeping into urban areas. Meteorologists forecast hazy conditions to persist tomorrow in 19 areas, including Bau, Bintulu, Dalat, Daro, Kanowit, Kapit, Kuching, Lundu, Matu, Miri, Mukah, Samarahan, Sarikei, Selangau, Sibu, Simunjan, Song, and Tatau. Indonesian health authorities advise residents to limit outdoor activities until air quality improves, suggesting keeping doors and windows closed, wearing masks outdoors, and using air purifiers when possible.

PM2.5 particles, the main pollutant in haze, can deeply penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory problems, particularly among children, older people, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.