7,286 titik panas di Kalimantan, jerebu mungkin berterusan di Sarawak

Air quality in Sarawak is showing a trend of increasing air pollution readings since August 1st, according to the Sarawak-based National Biodiversity and Environment Management Institute (NREB). The institute warns that if biofuel burning continues to rise outside Sarawak's borders, the region may experience prolonged smog and air quality degradation.

The country's weather is expected to bring consistent southwest winds to the region, as Malaysia is expected to enter a southwest monsoon phase expected to end next month. At least 148 hotspots were recorded in Sarawak and 7,286 hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia between August 1st and yesterday, the NREB reported. Moderate to thick haze was observed in West Kalimantan and moving northwards into western Sarawak.

Haze and smog conditions may continue to rise in easily combustible and drought-prone areas with a risk of transboundary smoke. Air quality in Sarawak has been showing a trend of increasing Air Pollution Index (API) readings since August 1st. As of 8 a.m. today, nine areas recorded unhealthy API levels, with Serian and Lubok Antu the highest at 185, followed by Kuching, Lundu, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, and Tebedu.

Under the National Haze Action Plan, under the authority of the Sarawak Education Department's General Manager, schools, kindergartens, and task forces will be closed immediately as soon as the API reaches 200.