At 8am Thursday, Lundu’s Air Pollutant Index (API) had risen to 223, in the very unhealthy band. Serian stood at 218 and Kanowit at 216, while Kuching was at 195, classed as unhealthy. Under Malaysia’s API scale, readings from 101 to 200 are unhealthy and 201 to 300 are very unhealthy. These figures are a morning snapshot from monitoring stations, not a uniform reading for every neighbourhood. The stations are updated through the day, so check the latest APIMS reading before planning extended outdoor activity. People with breathing or heart conditions should take extra care while the haze persists.

Haze remains a health concern across Sarawak Air quality in nine Sarawak locations was still in the unhealthy range at 4pm today, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s Daily Haze Watch. The affected locations are Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Tebedu, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Lundu. Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) eased slightly from 177 at 8am to 174 at 4pm. The Kuching Division Health Office advised residents to cut down on outdoor activities, wear a mask if going outside is unavoidable, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. Children, seniors, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart and respiratory conditions should take extra care. Seek medical attention if you develop worrying symptoms. [image: 1786615608468-sarawak-haze-aug13.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Photo: Roystein Emmor / The Borneo Post What is the air like in your area?

Kuching’s API reached 177 on Aug 12 as haze worsened across Sarawak. [image: 1786593856418-kuching-haze-20260812.jpg] At 4pm, data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed 11 areas at unhealthy levels and two at very unhealthy levels. Tebedu recorded an API reading of 214 and IPD Serian 201. Samarahan was at 178, followed by Kuching at 177. Other unhealthy readings were recorded in Lubok Antu (165), Sarikei (160), Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (153), Miri (151), Sibu (124), Lundu (111), Samalaju (110) and Lawas (102). API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 201 to 300 are very unhealthy. The readings are updated hourly. Location: Kuching and Sarawak Details: APIMS readings at 4pm on Aug 12 Source: Borneo Post What do you think?

Haze blankets Sarawak — Serian hits API 190, Kuching at 167 as unhealthy air spreads across 11 areas {img0} Another hazy day in Sarawak. As of 6pm yesterday (Aug 11), Serian recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in the state at 190 — firmly in the unhealthy range. Kuching wasnt far behind at 167, while Samarahan (168), Bintulu (159), Sibu (155), Sri Aman (157), Samalaju (155), Sarikei (155), Mukah (154), and Miri (142) all logged unhealthy readings. Only Limbang (73) and Kapit (78) managed moderate air quality. At the same time, METMalaysia issued a thunderstorm warning for Bintulu (Tatau) and Sibu (Selangau & Sibu) valid until 9pm, which could bring some temporary relief. With API levels expected to remain elevated, residents across Kuching and Sarawak are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when necessary. Location: Serian, Kuching & multiple areas across Sarawak Details: API 190 in Serian; 11 areas record unhealthy readings; thunderstorm warning for Bintulu & Sibu Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should schools be closed when API crosses 150?

Haze blankets Sarawak — Kuching, Bintulu, Serian all hit unhealthy API levels Several areas across Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings this morning, with Serian the worst at 170. According to the Department of Environment's monitoring stations, here are the readings as of 8am today: Serian — 170 Kota Samarahan — 157 Kuching — 155 Bintulu — 155 Samalaju — 152 An API reading of 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy. The haze has gotten so thick in Bintulu that the tallest building, The Peak Condominium, was barely visible through the smog. Authorities advise the public, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions. [image: 1786239080058-haze-bintulu.jpg] Location: Serian, Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Bintulu, Samalaju Details: API readings across Sarawak range from 152-170 (unhealthy category) as of Aug 9, 2026 morning Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Smoke from Kalimantan wildfires has pushed air quality across western Sarawak into unhealthy territory. [image: 1786161783836-haze-api.jpg] As of 11am today (Aug 8), five stations in Sarawak recorded unhealthy API readings: Serian: 172 (highest) Kuching: 156 Samarahan: 155 Bintulu: 152 Sri Aman: 139 Other areas like Mukah (98), Sarikei (97), Sibu (93), and Miri (86) remain moderate — for now. Source of the haze The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre detected 643 hotspots in Kalimantan and 22 in Sarawak alone, with thick smoke from West Kalimantan drifting northward into western Sarawak. What's being done The Department of Environment has activated both the National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan. Enforcement patrols have been stepped up. Under the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024, open burning offenders face fines of RM25,000 to RM1 million or up to five years' jail. School closures on standby Schools and childcare centres must close immediately if API readings exceed 200. Outdoor activities are already suspended when API passes 100. Nadma will activate disaster committees when readings exceed 150 for more than 24 hours. Affected areas: Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Bintulu, Sri Aman Source: DayakDaily Stay safe, wear a mask if you're heading out. What do you think?

Kuching and Samarahan recorded "unhealthy" air quality this morning — API readings at 133 and 135 as of 10am. [image: 1786075412250-haze-api.jpg] The Air Pollutant Index readings on Friday (Aug 7) pushed both areas past the unhealthy threshold of 100, making them the worst in Sarawak. Sarikei is close behind at 90, followed by Sibu and Sri Aman at 86 each, and Bintulu at 83. Other areas like Mukah (76), Samalaju (75), Miri (66), Kapit (60), and Limbang (57) are still in the moderate range. Location: Kuching & Samarahan Details: API 133 (Kuching), 135 (Samarahan) as of 10am, Aug 7 MetMalaysia Sarawak director Khairul Najib said the haze is caused by transboundary smoke from West Kalimantan, carried by seasonal southeast winds. Hotspots detected across the border are expected to keep the haze hanging around. Source: DayakDaily Mask up if you're going out today. What do you think?