Sarawak haze crisis deepens as five areas breach hazardous air quality levels

Sarawak is grappling with worsening haze conditions, as five areas recorded hazardous air pollution levels above 300 yesterday, according to data from the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). Residents can expect hazy conditions to persist for at least another week, as smoke from fires in Kalimantan continues to drift into the state and meteorological authorities warn of prolonged haze.

Serian topped the list with an API reading of 374, followed by Kuching (346), Sarikei (333), Sibu (323), and Samarahan (318). Four other locations recorded very unhealthy readings, with Sri Aman (295), Bintulu (247), Mukah (241), and Samalaju (226) also impacted. Four locations were classified as unhealthy, including ILP Miri (191), Miri (186), Kapit (185), and Limbang (173).

Sabah also recorded unhealthy air quality in six locations, with Kota Kinabalu at 177, while only one location in Peninsular Malaysia, Johan Setia in Selangor, registered an unhealthy reading of 157.

The prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a public health medicine specialist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Medicine, warned that prolonged exposure to haze could increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and birth defects.

She emphasized that particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometres can enter the bloodstream and cross the placental barrier, potentially disrupting fetal growth through inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage.

The health risks extend beyond pregnant women and unborn babies, with long-term exposure to PM2.5 linked to a 30% increased risk of stroke and up to a 10% higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone can trigger asthma attacks, contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and exacerbate respiratory infections.

Meteorologists anticipate that haze will continue to affect Sarawak for the remainder of September, dependent on the persistence of fires in Kalimantan and prevailing south-westerly winds. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) highlights the need for widespread rainfall in the affected areas to mitigate the haze, warning that the current dry, hot conditions and limited rainfall are characteristic of the Southwest Monsoon.

Additionally, the possibility of a Super El Niño developing between October and December adds further uncertainty to the weather conditions, which could worsen the haze situation.