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THICK haze has blanketed parts of Sarawak, with six areas recording unhealthy air quality levels as smoke and particulate pollution reduced visibility and raised health concerns across the state.
Data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Serian recording the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading nationwide at 187 as of 9am, followed by Kuching at 182 and Sri Aman at 174.
Samarahan recorded an API reading of 165, while Sarikei and Sibu registered 153 and 123 respectively, placing all six areas within the unhealthy category.
The deteriorating conditions were reportedly linked to large-scale forest fires in Kalimantan, with smoke and pollutants believed to have been carried across the border into Sarawak.
A check at Kuching International Airport at about 9.30am found visibility around the runway area significantly reduced as haze enveloped the airport and surrounding areas.
The haze also caused views to appear noticeably blurred in several locations, particularly during the morning, amid increasing concentrations of smoke and airborne pollutants.
Under the API classification, readings of 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.
Nationwide, 50 other areas recorded moderate air quality, while 12 areas remained in the good category.
API readings are updated hourly based on data collected from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide.
The worsening conditions have prompted calls for vulnerable groups, including children, older people and those with respiratory problems, to reduce outdoor activities while the haze persists.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring air quality and visibility in affected areas, particularly as deteriorating conditions could pose risks to public health and safety. - August 20, 2026
