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SARAWAK remains the main haze hotspot in Malaysia despite an overall improvement in air quality nationwide, with Serian recording the country’s highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 236 this afternoon.
The reading at 4pm placed Serian in the very unhealthy category, according to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
Four other areas in Sarawak remained in the unhealthy category — Sri Aman at 199, Samarahan at 176, Kuching at 174 and Sarikei at 115.
Bintulu, Mukah, Miri and Samalaju recorded moderate air quality, with readings of 97, 90, 89 and 89 respectively.
Nationally, 62 APIMS monitoring stations recorded either moderate or good air quality, with 50 in the moderate category and 12 recording good air quality.
The improvement was attributed to weather conditions and localised rainfall, with rain and thunderstorms in parts of Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur helping to clear the air naturally in the peninsula, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Sarawak, however, could see haze accumulate again at night as conditions turn drier despite forecasts of rain and thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon.
People in affected areas, particularly Serian and western Sarawak, have been advised to reduce outdoor physical activity and wear face masks to minimise health risks. - September 12, 2026
