Sarawak haze eases as three areas record unhealthy air quality

Sarawak's air quality improved noticeably on Monday, with only three locations registering unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, a significant drop from nine areas on Saturday. Serian topped the unhealthy readings at 162, followed by Samarahan at 154 and Kuching at 119, while all other monitoring sites recorded readings under 100, placing them in the moderate category. APIMS noted a decline in unhealthy API readings compared to Saturday's situation.

Despite this progress, authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the haze. Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas announced that the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), representing Malaysia on the ASEAN Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution, will formally address the issue and propose solutions to reduce its environmental and public health effects.

Uggah stressed the cross-border nature of the haze, noting that fires near international borders could impact neighboring countries, citing the forest fires in Kuala Baram that could spread to Brunei.

The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), chaired by Uggah, has also requested cloud seeding operations to alleviate the prolonged dry spell and improve air quality. Authorities are collaborating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to execute the operation when favorable cloud conditions arise, aiming to replenish water reserves and lower the risk of additional fires.

Sarawak Energy Berhad had previously requested cloud seeding due to declining water levels in catchment areas supplying its hydroelectric reservoirs. Seasonal winds have carried smoke from regional hotspots into Sarawak since August 8, leading to elevated API readings in multiple districts, including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, and Bintulu.