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AIR quality in Sarawak improved this morning, with only three areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8am, down from nine areas at the same time on Saturday.
Data from the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Serian recorded the highest reading at 162, followed by Samarahan at 154 and Kuching at 119.
All other monitoring stations in the state recorded readings below 100, placing them in the moderate category.
“The number shows a decline compared with the nine areas that recorded unhealthy API readings during the same period on Saturday,” APIMS said.
Despite the improvement, Sarawak authorities are stepping up efforts to address the haze, including plans to raise concerns over transboundary smoke pollution at the regional level.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), which represents Malaysia on the ASEAN Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution, would formally raise the issue and propose measures to mitigate its environmental and public health impacts.
“NRES will highlight the challenges we are currently facing and seek effective solutions to mitigate the impact,” he told reporters after a state-level handicraft competition award ceremony in Kuching.
Uggah said the cross-border nature of the haze remained a concern, particularly in areas near international borders where fires could potentially affect neighbouring countries.
He cited forest fires in border areas such as Kuala Baram, where smoke could drift into Brunei.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), chaired by Uggah, has formally requested cloud seeding operations to help ease the prolonged dry spell and deteriorating air quality.
State authorities are coordinating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to carry out the operation when suitable cloud formations occur.
The operation is also aimed at replenishing water reserves and reducing the risk of further fires amid increasingly dry conditions.
Sarawak Energy Berhad has separately requested cloud seeding as water levels continue to decline in key catchment areas supplying its hydroelectric reservoirs.
Seasonal wind patterns have carried smoke from regional hotspots into Sarawak since Aug 8, contributing to deteriorating air quality across several parts of the state.
Several districts, including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu and Bintulu, have recorded elevated API readings during the haze episode. - August 16, 2026
