Air quality hits unhealthy to hazardous levels in southern Asean as thick smoke drifts from Kalimantan and Sumatra

Thirteen hotspots were detected within Malaysia's borders, according to satellite imagery analysis conducted by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore. These hotspots were dispersed across the southern region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). In Malaysia, the hotspots were located in Sarawak, with nine instances, and also found in Sabah and Perak, each with two instances.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the hotspot count escalated dramatically, with 1,180 observed in Kalimantan and 18 in Sumatra. The entire region seemed to be grappling with dry conditions, except for certain spots, notably northern Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, which had recently received rainfall.

Azuri Azizah Saedon, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment's Development Division, elaborated on these findings in a recent statement. She pointed out that the regional haze map issued by the ASMC revealed substantial transboundary haze covering West Kalimantan, which had begun to move northwards into Sarawak.

The extent of this haze was widespread, affecting West Kalimantan, areas of Sarawak, and regions in Sumatra. However, cloud cover prevented a complete assessment of the situation. The Asean secretariat responded to the escalating situation by raising the regional alert level to 3 on August 27, in line with their Standard Operating Procedures for monitoring, assessment, and joint emergency response.

By the morning of August 27, two areas in Sarawak were reported to have "hazardous" air pollutant index (API) readings. These areas were Serian, with an API of 385, and Samarahan, with a reading of 316. Kuching and Sri Aman also logged "very unhealthy" readings of 297 and 215, respectively. Thirteen other areas within the state were marked as "unhealthy," while the rest of Sarawak was recorded as "moderate."

Throughout the country, no "good" air quality was recorded. The API scale ranges from zero to 50 for good air quality, up to 300 indicating hazardous conditions.