‘Literally tasting the smoke’: Sarawakians suffer as haze worsens

KUCHING, September 1 — Malaysia's Sarawak state experienced worsening air quality on September 1 as smoke from Indonesian forest fires heightened respiratory issues among residents. Six Sarawak districts, including the capital Kuching, reported hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with levels surpassing 300, classified as hazardous under national guidelines.

Kuching's schools closed two weeks ago, and the state's supply of haze-rated masks dwindled. Pharmacist Ivana Mason, 37, noted that five pharmacies she visited had sold out of respirators designed to filter fine particles, as standard medical masks, ineffective against fine haze particles, were the only available options. Mason's health deteriorated, experiencing a sore throat and aggravated asthma, prompting her to stop visiting her usual non-air-conditioned gym and limit outdoor trips, stating, "I can literally taste the smoke in my mouth."

Local pharmacist Dawi Bakri, 31, reported heightened demand for masks since the haze worsened, making it challenging to maintain sufficient stocks. Md Khairulanwar Asri, 33, an occupational therapist at Sarawak Heart Centre, warned that poor air quality could exacerbate symptoms for people with heart or respiratory conditions, as well as the elderly, causing coughing, throat and eye irritation, and shortness of breath. Such symptoms could hamper daily activity comfort, particularly those requiring physical exertion.

Sarawak has been severely impacted by the latest haze episode, as Indonesian forest and land fires' smoke drifted across the border. Malaysia's health ministry reported a nationwide rise in asthma and conjunctivitis cases due to worsening air quality. Sarawak authorities indicated cloud-seeding operations might commence as early as Thursday if weather conditions permit.