Sarawak haze from Kalimantan fires worsens

Forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, have led to a worsening of air quality in five districts of Sarawak, Malaysia, according to the environment department. As of 8 am, Serian recorded the highest air pollutant index (API) at 171, followed by Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, and Bintulu, all in the "unhealthy" range of 101 to 200.

An API between 101 and 200 can pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The environment department noted that the air quality had worsened today, with an increasing number of areas recording unhealthy levels of API, especially in Sarawak. Currently, there are 643 hotspots in Kalimantan, contributing to the hazy conditions.

There are also 17 hotspots in Sumatra, Indonesia, and 25 within Malaysia, including 22 in Sarawak, one each in Selangor and Terengganu. Government agencies have activated action plans to combat open burning and haze. Schools halt outdoor activities once the API exceeds 100, and schools and preschools close if the API reaches 200.

Cloud-seeding operations are scheduled for areas where the API remains above 150 for more than 24 hours.