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

Air quality in Sarawak has shown a trend of increasing pollution readings since August 1st, according to a statement from the Sarawak-based Native and Environment Resource Board (NREB). The agency warned that Sarawak might face prolonged haze if biofuel burning continues to increase beyond the state's boundaries.

The country is expected to receive consistent winds blowing from the southwest as Malaysia is set to leave the southwest monsoon phase by next month. This weather pattern could potentially lead to cross-border haze and a decline in overall air quality in Sarawak, NREB said in a statement.

According to reports from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre from August 1st to today, there were 148 hotspots noted in Sarawak and 7,286 hotspots detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Moderate to thick smoke haze was observed in West Kalimantan and moving northward to enter the western part of Sarawak.

The situation of hotspots and haze is expected to further escalate in easily flammable areas and with prolonged dry conditions, posing a risk of cross-border haze. Air quality in Sarawak has been showing an increasing trend in pollution index readings since August 1st. As of 8am today, nine districts recorded unhealthy pollution index 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 Response Plan, schools, kindergartens, and task forces will be forced to close immediately once the pollution index reaches 200.