Sri Aman nears hazardous air mark as Sarawak haze intensifies

Sarawak's air quality worsened significantly earlier today, with Sri Aman registering an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 298, just two points shy of the hazardous threshold. Three other locations—Kuching, Samarahan, and Sarikei—also breached the hazardous mark, with API readings of 276, 257, and 227 respectively. This follows a broader trend of deteriorating air quality across the state, with eight other areas recording unhealthy air quality.

Sibu recorded an API of 191, Bintulu and Kapit 176 each, Mukah 172, Samalaju 167, Limbang 155, ILP Miri 153, and Miri 134. Similarly, four locations in neighboring Sabah also experienced unhealthy air quality, including Politeknik Kota Kinabalu at 166, Kimanis and Keningau 165 each, and Kota Kinabalu 164. Labuan recorded 162, while Selangor's Johan Setia reported a reading of 112.

Nationwide, 45 areas had moderate air quality, and three reported good readings. The worsening conditions are being exacerbated by haze, prompting authorities to conduct cloud-seeding operations in affected areas, particularly those with API readings above 150, as well as locations around declining dam water levels. Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed these efforts are being carried out in collaboration between the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to closely monitor API levels and limit prolonged outdoor activities during periods of deteriorating air quality.