Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak as haze from Indonesia worsens

Malaysia has declared emergency measures in Serian Division, Sarawak state, due to hazardous air pollution caused by Indonesian wildfires. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office announced the state of emergency following a formal request from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee. The index of air pollutants in the region reached hazardous levels, prompting the closure of 647 schools from Monday, along with government and private offices, plantations, construction sites, and quarries.

Essential services will continue to operate. Other Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, are also experiencing smoggy conditions. Singapore has announced it will begin providing daily haze advisories starting Friday evening, as the 24-hour air quality readings entered the unhealthy range, marking the first such alert since 2023.