Sarawak haze could see API levels hit 800, says Wan Junaidi [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: For Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, the return of the transboundary haze in Sarawak is a reminder of a problem he spent years trying to resolve.
![Sarawak haze could see API levels hit 800, says Wan Junaidi [WATCH]](/img/4960796)
Sarawak's Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed concern that the return of transboundary haze could push the Air Pollutant Index (API) levels in parts of Sarawak up to 800. The haze originated from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, exacerbated by a prolonged dry spell, making forests and peatlands susceptible to fires.
Wan Junaidi, who previously served as Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environment Minister, recalled the 1997 haze crisis, when Kuching was enveloped in smoke, making it impossible to see the car ahead. This time, five areas in Sarawak, including Serian, Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, and Sarikei, recorded hazardous API levels, with Serian at 415 and Kuching at 405.
The haze has led to the cancellation of Sarawak's National Day celebrations, school closures, and hindered travel plans. Wan Junaidi lamented his inability to address the issue, stating that once peat catches fire, it is challenging to extinguish. He emphasized the importance of Asean collaboration to prevent haze and called for peat management discussions among environment ministers.
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