West Kalimantan’s 4,000 hotspots likely to prolong haze in Sarawak
KUCHING, Aug 20 — The ongoing haze in Sarawak is expected to persist as forest and land fires continue to rage in...
Kuching, 20th August — The haze plaguing Sarawak is anticipated to continue as forest and land fires persist in neighbouring West Kalimantan. CNN Indonesia reported that Pontianak, on Thursday morning, recorded the country's worst air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 191, classified as 'Unhealthy'. The concentration of fine particulate matter, PM2.5, in Pontianak reached 112 microgrammes per cubic metre, 22.4 times the World Health Organisation's guideline.
This haze was partly sourced from forest and land fires in adjacent districts such as Ketapang, Kubu Raya, Kayong Utara, and Landak, with smoke carried by the wind to Pontianak. Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono stated that the city was working with West Kalimantan, federal, Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, and private sector agencies to curb the issue.
As of August 10, West Kalimantan reported 4,041 hotspots, 3,560 of which were moderate, and 352 high. Besides Pontianak, other Indonesian regions such as South Tangerang (AQI 176), Bandung (167), Jakarta (166), and Serpong (165) also experienced 'Unhealthy' air quality. Public health advisories from IQAir recommend residents in affected areas to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use masks while outdoors.
Given the close proximity of the two regions, the situation in West Kalimantan is being closely monitored by Sarawak, considering the potential for cross-border haze spread.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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