A 35-hectare peatland fire in Jalan Bungin, Serembang, Betong has been fully extinguished after seven days of firefighting. The operation ended at 4pm on Aug 28 after crews cleared all six fire sectors. Bomba said teams tackled remaining hotspots with pumps and hose lines, while an excavator opened access through difficult terrain. The fire covered an initial 33 hectares before spreading to another two. Drone monitoring by the Natural Resources and Environment Board found no remaining smoke or fire after the final firefighting work. Crews had to work around narrow access routes, limited water sources and weak radio and mobile coverage. Monitoring will continue from time to time, so people should keep away from the affected peatland and report any new smoke to the authorities.

Heavy rain brought Kuching’s API down to 156 by 5pm, but five Sarawak areas were still in the unhealthy range. The latest APIMS readings reported on Tuesday put Serian at 182, followed by Sri Aman at 172, Samarahan at 155, Kuching at 156 and Sarikei at 154. The 10am update had placed Serian at 194 and Kuching at 176, so the afternoon rain helped in parts of the state without ending the haze situation. An API reading from 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy. That means a lower Kuching number after rain should not be read as a return to normal air: conditions can differ sharply between monitoring stations and can change again when wind or rain patterns shift. For residents planning outdoor work, exercise or travel across Sarawak, check the latest station reading on APIMS before heading out instead of relying on how the sky looks in one neighbourhood. People who are more sensitive to haze should reduce strenuous outdoor time while the readings remain above 100. The same update also placed Marudi under MetMalaysia’s Level 1 hot-weather alert, which covers maximum temperatures of 35–37°C for at least three consecutive days. The next useful checkpoint is whether the five unhealthy stations fall below 101 after further rain, or climb again if dry weather returns.

A two-hectare forest fire at Samunsam Forest Reserve in Lundu was extinguished after a five-day operation. The blaze was detected on Aug 20. Firefighters from Lundu station used a forest-fire pump, a 500-foot hose line and water from a nearby river to put out the remaining 0.1 hectare, with the operation ending at 4.09pm on Aug 24. Drone monitoring by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation had estimated the affected area at about two hectares. The operation also involved the Forestry Corporation, the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board. The fire is now reported as extinguished, but the public updates did not state its cause or mention injuries or evacuations. That distinction matters while Sarawak is dealing with poor air quality: residents should check the latest APIMS reading instead of assuming that every haze reading is linked to this site. Do not enter a restricted or remote forest area to investigate smoke; call 999 if an active fire is spotted. The next point to watch is whether agency monitoring detects any re-ignition.

Firefighters were due to resume work on Aug 24 after a Marudi landfill fire spread across about 0.7 hectares. The fire started at a waste pile on Sunday afternoon. The Marudi fire station received the emergency call at 2.26pm and sent five personnel with one CFRT fire engine. Firefighters used two hose lines, foam and breathing apparatus, while creating a firebreak to stop the flames from spreading. The operation was paused at 6.30pm. At that point, none of the estimated 0.7-hectare fire area had been fully extinguished. The local authority planned to continue with an excavator and water tanker on Aug 24; the excavator operator was still outside Marudi when the operation was suspended. The final status after the resumed operation was not yet confirmed. People near the landfill should avoid smoke, keep children away from the site and follow instructions from the local authority or firefighters. Anyone with breathing problems after smoke exposure should seek medical care. Residents near the affected area should keep away from smoke, unstable structures and emergency operations. The cause, total loss and final clearance should be treated as pending until the responding authority confirms them. [image: 1787544516619-20260824-marudi-landfill-fire.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department

A forest fire covering an estimated two hectares has been detected at the Samunsan Forest Reserve in Lundu. Bomba Lundu responded at about 2.40pm on Aug 20 after the fire was spotted through drone monitoring by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Firefighters entered the forest with fire beaters, but operations were suspended around 5pm when darkness reduced visibility. Residents near the affected area should keep away from smoke, unstable structures and emergency operations. The cause, total loss and final clearance should be treated as pending until the responding authority confirms them. [image: 1787276052662-fire.jpeg]

Kuching’s air quality improved after Saturday’s rain, but five areas in Sarawak were still at unhealthy levels this morning. At 8am on Sunday, the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s haze watch recorded these readings: Kuching’s reading dropped from 163 at 4pm on Saturday after an evening shower brought some relief following a week of dry weather. Other parts of Sarawak were in the moderate range, between 51 and 100. The air quality can change quickly with the weather and wind direction. Authorities also reminded the public that open burning is prohibited. Offenders may face a fine of RM25,000 to RM1 million, up to five years in jail, or both. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-16, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy. [image: 1786853210530-haze-kuching-20260816.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Chimon Upon

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?

Sarawak is preparing to conduct cloud seeding operations if the haze situation continues to worsen, says Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh. As of today, eight locations across Sarawak have recorded Air Pollution Index (API) readings above 100 — reaching unhealthy levels. Southern Sarawak, including Kuching, is being hit by transboundary haze from increased hotspots in neighbouring countries. Len Talif said winds moving from the east towards the south before turning north are carrying the haze into the state. "As of now, there is no schedule for cloud seeding yet. We will continue monitoring the situation," he said during a press conference at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sarikei. He also warned the public against open burning, saying legal action will be taken against individuals or companies found doing so. [image: 1786269739525-cloud-seeding.jpg] Location: Sarawak (Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei & more) Details: 8 locations with API > 100; cloud seeding on standby; open burning禁令 enforced Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should cloud seeding start now?

Kuching is testing Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot, starting today at two major conference venues. [image: 1785202606837-review_food.jpg] Image source: Sarawak Tribune Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is launching the four-day pilot from July 28 to 31 during the 51st IUPAC World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026). The project covers more than 800 international delegates at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching. What will be tracked Organisers will work on menu planning, portion control and recovery of surplus ingredients where food safety rules allow it. The whole process will be documented through a compliance platform before independent assessment. Certification results are expected after the congress ends. BESarawak said it is pursuing The Pledge on Food Waste Certification, an internationally recognised standard for measuring food waste prevention and diversion. Why it matters If this pilot works, future conferences in Kuching could have a clearer model to cut food waste instead of sending everything to landfill. It also gives Sarawak's business events sector a practical way to show sustainability, not just talk about it. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching Details: Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot runs from July 28 to 31 with over 800 delegates. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

A landfill fire in Lingga has affected about three hectares, with smoke still reported even after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The Fire and Rescue Department said the fire broke out on Sunday, July 26. No casualties were reported. [image: 1785125161458-lingga_landfill_fire.jpg] Source: Bomba / DayakDaily What Bomba reported Firefighters from the Sri Aman station were sent to the scene after receiving the call. The affected area was estimated at about three hectares. By Monday morning, the fire had been brought under control, but it had not been fully extinguished because of the size of the site. Bomba said about two hectares had been extinguished, while smoke was still coming from another area roughly 300 feet away. What made it harder The team had to work with limited open water sources at the scene. They also faced poor mobile network coverage and access challenges linked to ongoing main road construction towards Lingga. Location: Lingga, Sri Aman division Details: About three hectares affected; two hectares extinguished; no casualties reported Source: DayakDaily Landfill fires can drag on because of buried waste and smoke, so nearby residents will probably be watching the clean-up closely. What do you think?

Ten crocodile hook lines are now active along Batang Igan after safety checks by SFC. [image: 1784801116235-batang-igan-crocodile.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Vicky from Pixabay The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Regional Office Sibu has deployed 10 hook line sets in Batang Igan as part of a crocodile population removal operation. The operation began on July 21 and is scheduled to continue until Aug 2. The hook lines were placed from the mouth of Sungai Lubuk Kabang to SK Sungai Pinang after field assessments. Why it matters SFC said the operation is meant to reduce human-crocodile conflict in high-risk areas and improve public safety for nearby communities. The active hook lines will be monitored throughout the operation. Location: Batang Igan, Sibu division Details: 10 hook lines, July 21 to Aug 2, SFC public safety operation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Residents at Ing Liing Residence in Bintulu say recurring flash floods are leaving mud, soil and debris around their homes. [image: 1784779576181-bintulu-flood-mud.jpg] Several residents told The Borneo Post the problem has been going on for years, but has become worse after nearby land was converted into a durian farm. They said the floodwater used to be clearer. Now, after heavy rain, it carries mud, soil and wood debris into the housing area. Residents want a long-term fix Resident Sheyha Entik said complaints had been lodged with the Bintulu Development Authority, but residents were told action could not be taken against the durian farm owner because the land is privately owned. Another homeowner, Ting Liong Hung, said the flooding has become more frequent this year, with more than five incidents recorded so far. She said mud left behind after the water recedes affects parking spaces, driveways and daily routines, including work and school trips. Residents are asking the authorities to review drainage, carry out regular desilting, and make sure nearby development does not push the problem back onto the housing area. Location: Ing Liing Residence, Bintulu Details: Recurring flash floods; residents say mud and debris remain after rain Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

The Niah National Park forest fire is now fully extinguished after a three-day operation involving air and ground teams. [image: 1784109951034-niah-fire.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Bomba Sarawak confirmed that the fire was put out at 12pm on July 15, after 20 helicopter water bombing runs released 26,000 litres of water over the affected area. Location: Niah National Park, Miri Division Details: The affected area covered 1.62 hectares. The final stage of the operation began at 9.45am and lasted three hours and 36 minutes, using one Bomba Air Unit MI-171 helicopter with 11 personnel. Ground support came from Bomba Batu Niah Station, with help from the Royal Malaysia Police and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Authorities said the fire is now 100 per cent extinguished, with monitoring to make sure the area stays safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784088233017-miri-cleanliness.jpeg] Miri's city cleanliness is back in the spotlight after some residents questioned whether the Asean Clean Tourist City award matches the situation on the ground. The Borneo Post checked several public and commercial areas in Miri and found a mixed picture. Some spaces are well kept, but other areas still have overflowing bins, overgrown grass, clogged drains and stagnant water. What the council said Miri City Council councillor Kelvin Chia said cleanliness problems involve contractors, businesses, residents and the council. He said three residential maintenance contractors were recently terminated after poor performance. Food waste is another major issue. The city generates about 80,000 tonnes of waste a year, with food waste making up around 40%. MCC has also identified 13 illegal dumping hotspots, with four already cleared. Councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie said ageing drains in older commercial areas need upgrades because current development and heavier rainfall have pushed old systems beyond their limits. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Cleanliness, waste, drains and illegal dumping remain key city-management issues. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784001875087-open-burning-sarawak.jpg] Kuching Division recorded the highest number of open-burning cases in Sarawak this July, with 15 cases reported as of July 13. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Jamri Masran said Sarawak recorded 49 open-burning cases statewide from July 1 to 13. Miri came second with 11 cases, followed by Mukah with six, Bintulu with five and Sibu with four. Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong each recorded two cases, while Kapit and Limbang recorded one each. The spike happened over the weekend: daily cases rose from 3 on July 10 to 10 on July 11, then 11 on July 12, before dropping to five on July 13. Jamri said Bomba Sarawak is preparing land and air assets as the country faces the Super El Nino threat. The department is also working with the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board on enforcement against open burning that harms the environment. Location: Kuching Division / Sarawak Details: 49 statewide cases from July 1-13; Kuching recorded the most with 15 cases Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu is set to be gazetted as Malaysia's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. [image: 1783850680098-bukit-lima.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the protected area will cover about 1,045 hectares, made up of the existing 301 hectares and another 744 hectares. He said major development will not be allowed inside the reserve. Only small-scale facilities for recreation and basic amenities are planned. The reserve has also been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. Why it matters For Sibu, this is a big green lung right inside an urban area. It also gives Sarawak another conservation asset that can support education, recreation and environmental protection at the same time. Location: Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu Details: The announcement was made after the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sibu on July 11. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Sarawak's deputy minister has confirmed plans for a 100-acre crocodile sanctuary at Kuching Wetlands — part of a broader strategy to manage growing human-crocodile conflicts across the state. Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the government has identified the site in the Kuching Wetland area, with fencing planned to keep relocated crocodiles contained within the sanctuary. Any crocodiles removed from residential areas will be sent there. The announcement follows a viral video showing a crocodile hunting pigeons at Kuching Waterfront last week, raising public alarm about the presence of large reptiles in popular areas. For central Sarawak, sanctuary sites include Pulau Seduku, Batang Lupar, and Rajang Mangrove National Park. In northern Sarawak, locations in Sibuti, Lawas and Limbang have been proposed. The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is already carrying out relocation and removal operations targeting crocodiles identified as threats to villages and longhouse communities. Len Talif also reminded the public to stay vigilant, follow warning signs, and use the Sarawak Croc Watch app to report sightings. Location: Kuching Wetlands, Sarawak Details: 100-acre sanctuary, fencing, statewide relocation plan Source: DayakDaily [image: 1781935364844-croc-sanctuary.jpg] Source: Pixabay (illustration) What do you think — is this the right approach to manage croc populations?