{
  "id": 293010,
  "title": "Sarawak haze from Kalimantan fires worsens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/sarawak-haze-from-kalimantan-fires-worsens",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-08T02:32:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/08/sarawak-haze-from-kalimantan-fires-worsens"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, have led to a worsening of air quality in five districts of Sarawak, Malaysia, according to the environment department. As of 8 am, Serian recorded the highest air pollutant index (API) at 171, followed by Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, and Bintulu, all in the \"unhealthy\" range of 101 to 200. An API between 101 and 200 can pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The environment department noted that the air quality had worsened today, with an increasing number of areas recording unhealthy levels of API, especially in Sarawak. Currently, there are 643 hotspots in Kalimantan, contributing to the hazy conditions. There are also 17 hotspots in Sumatra, Indonesia, and 25 within Malaysia, including 22 in Sarawak, one each in Selangor and Terengganu. Government agencies have activated action plans to combat open burning and haze. Schools halt outdoor activities once the API exceeds 100, and schools and preschools close if the API reaches 200. Cloud-seeding operations are scheduled for areas where the API remains above 150 for more than 24 hours.",
  "summary": "Serian has the highest air pollutant index at 171, followed by Kuching (154), Samarahan (154), Sri Aman (139), and Bintulu (124).",
  "key_points": [
    "Kalimantan fires worsen Sarawak haze, API reaches 171 in Serian",
    "643 hotspots in Kalimantan contributing to haze, 17 in Sumatra",
    "Schools halt outdoor activities at API 100, close at 200"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The rising air pollutant index in Sarawak, driven by Kalimantan fires, heightens health risks for vulnerable groups, prompting government agencies to activate action plans to mitigate the haze.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Unhealthy air in Sarawak from Kalimantan fires",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/unhealthy-air-in-sarawak-from-kalimantan-fires",
        "published": "2026-08-07T12:12:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "BNPB deploys more helicopters to fight W Kalimantan fires",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/bnpb-deploys-more-helicopters-to-fight-w-kalimantan-fires",
        "published": "2026-08-07T15:04:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}