Five Sarawak air-quality stations were in the unhealthy range at 8am on Thursday, while Kuching remained moderate. The Natural Resources and Environment Board’s latest reading put Lubok Antu highest at 182, followed by Samarahan at 164, IPD Serian at 162, Sri Aman at 155 and Lundu at 106. Kuching recorded 97. The readings are based on a 24-hour running average, so the situation can shift with rain, wind and smoke movement. Regional monitoring also points to dry conditions and fire activity in parts of Kalimantan, with a continuing risk of haze reaching western Sarawak. An API reading from 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy, with greater concern for people who have heart or lung conditions. Kuching residents can check the latest APIMS reading before spending long periods outdoors; if the air turns visibly smoky, reduce strenuous activity and keep children and high-risk family members away from prolonged exposure.

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.

Kuching's Air Pollutant Index (API) reading reached 175 at 8am on Aug 24, putting the city in the unhealthy range. Five Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy readings at 8am: Serian (189), Kuching (175), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (158) and Bintulu (108). Kuching's reading was 175, down slightly from 177 at 4pm on Sunday. An API reading of 101–200 is classed as unhealthy, while 201–300 is very unhealthy. These are 8am readings, not a live noon update, so check the latest official reading before planning outdoor activities. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) distributed face masks at Kenyalang Market and Sungai Apong Market on Aug 23. Children, senior citizens and people sensitive to poor air quality should cut down unnecessary outdoor activity, wear a suitable mask, stay hydrated and seek medical attention if they have breathing difficulty. For people who must go outdoors, the useful detail is fit: a well-sealed N95, KN95 or KF94 offers better particle protection than a loose face covering. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should keep outdoor exertion down while the reading remains unhealthy. [image: 1787544504900-20260824-haze.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / MBKS

Schools in 10 Sarawak education districts will reopen as usual on Aug 24 after API readings improved. The Sarawak State Education Department said the districts are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong. The decision was based on readings recorded at 10am on Aug 23 through the Department of Environment’s APIMS system. Schools were reminded to keep monitoring local conditions. Outdoor student activities must be suspended when the API reading goes above 100. Schools in affected areas must close immediately if the reading exceeds 200, while teachers and staff do not need to report if it goes above 500. The reopening remains subject to readings staying below 200. Temporary closures can still be ordered based on recommendations from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee. Students are advised to wear masks, drink enough water and avoid prolonged exposure to hot or hazy conditions. Schools can check the official APIMS portal and the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak for updates. Because these readings are tied to 2026-08-23, parents should check the latest APIMS update and their school's notice before making plans for attendance or outdoor activities. A reopening is not a permanent all-clear if the API rises again. [image: 1787458078641-sarawak-schools-reopen-haze.jpg]

Kuching pharmacists are urging the public to use well-fitting, high-filtration masks as haze worsens. SHiNE Pharmacy chief pharmacist Christina Wong said N95 and KN95 respirators offer better protection from fine particles than loose-fitting surgical masks. Song Plaza Caring Pharmacy pharmacist Wendy Tsai also recommended KF94 masks, which are available in adult and children’s sizes. Both pharmacists stressed that fit matters. Parents were advised to keep young children indoors when air quality is poor, while older people and those with asthma or chronic lung conditions should take extra care outdoors. For people who must go outdoors, the useful detail is fit: a well-sealed N95, KN95 or KF94 offers better particle protection than a loose face covering. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should keep outdoor exertion down while the reading remains unhealthy. [image: 1787360697074-kuching-haze-mask.jpg]

Haze is keeping 591 Sarawak schools closed on Aug 21. The Sarawak Education Department said the temporary closure took effect on Aug 20 and will continue tomorrow, Aug 21, after unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were recorded at 3pm. The order affects 509 primary schools with 107,590 pupils and 82 secondary schools with 89,733 students. The 10 affected district education offices cover Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong. Schools have been told to monitor readings through the Department of Environment's APIMS system and follow Ministry of Health advice. Any further update will be announced by the department. Because these readings are tied to 2026-08-20, parents should check the latest APIMS update and their school's notice before making plans for attendance or outdoor activities. A reopening is not a permanent all-clear if the API rises again. [image: 1787220315028-haze-chimon-20260820.jpg]

Haze returned to Sarawak on Aug 19, with five monitoring areas recording unhealthy air quality at 9am. Serian recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 156, followed by Kuching at 154, Sri Aman at 152, Samarahan at 113 and Mukah at 106. The figures were a snapshot from the Department of Environment's APIMS system, not a forecast for the whole day. in Kuching An API reading from 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy. The number can move as wind, rain and nearby hotspots change, so an old screenshot should not be used as the current reading. Check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should be more cautious when readings are elevated. Reducing strenuous outdoor activity, closing windows when smoke is strong and using a well-fitting high-filtration mask outdoors are more useful than relying on a loose cloth mask. Affected at 9am: Serian, Kuching, Sri Aman, Samarahan and Mukah Important: These readings were recorded on Aug 19 and may have changed since publication. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-19, 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: 1787112656808-sarawak-haze.jpg]

Kuching’s air quality improved to the moderate range by Sunday evening, but Serian and Samarahan were still unhealthy. At 5pm on Aug 16, Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) reading fell to 91. Serian recorded 157 and Samarahan 147, both still in the unhealthy range. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is moderate. Rain brought some relief after a week of dry weather. All 107 schools under the Serian District Education Office were scheduled to reopen on Aug 17 after temporarily closing when the API went above 200. 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.

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

Kuching’s air quality has moved into the unhealthy range. [image: 1786788230548-kuching-api-20260815.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Kuching and Samarahan both recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 163 at 4pm on Saturday, the highest in Sarawak. Nine locations across the state were in the unhealthy range, with Serian at 162. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. MetMalaysia also warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Sarawak, which may bring temporary relief. Residents should check the latest APIMS readings and limit prolonged outdoor activity if the haze worsens. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Nine Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy air quality Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

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?

Sarawak recorded 112 open-burning cases from Aug 1 to 11, with reports rising sharply since Aug 8. JBPM Sarawak director Jamri Masran said 28 cases were logged on Aug 11, after 16 on Aug 8, 25 on Aug 9 and 21 on Aug 10. The cases covered 75 bush fires, 20 rubbish fires, eight forest fires, four farm or plantation fires and five others, affecting a combined 111.64 hectares. Kuching Division recorded the most cases at 27, followed by Samarahan with 16. Two larger forest fires in Sri Aman and Daro involved about 80 and 10 hectares respectively. JBPM Sarawak urged residents to pause open burning, rubbish burning and land-clearing fires while the weather stays hot and dry. Report fires early before they spread and worsen the haze. [image: 1786583428207-open-burning.jpg] Location: Sarawak; Kuching Division recorded the highest count Details: 112 cases, 111.64 hectares affected, 27 cases in Kuching Division Source: TVS Photo: JBPM Sarawak via TVS What do you think?

108 schools in Serian Division have been temporarily closed after the Air Pollutant Index (API) crossed 200. The closure covers schools in the Serian area, including six in Tebedu. Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue during the closure. As of 4pm on Aug 12, API readings were 202 in Serian and 212 in Tebedu. Kuching and Samarahan were among 11 other Sarawak areas recording unhealthy readings between 101 and 200. State authorities said the haze may continue over the next few days, partly due to transboundary smoke from Kalimantan. Children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions are advised to limit outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. Location: Serian Division, Sarawak Details: Schools will reopen based on the latest API readings and official instructions. Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/12/108-schools-in-serian-division-temporarily-closed-as-api-exceeds-200/ What do you think? Photo: The Borneo Post

Haze conditions have returned to Bau, with air quality readings reaching unhealthy levels near the Sarawak-West Kalimantan border. [image: 1786324232107-haze-bau-1.jpg] Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep urged residents to reduce outdoor activities, especially when the Air Pollution Index (API) climbs towards 150. He said this is an annual occurrence caused by cross-border burning from Indonesia. "Nothing much we can do because this is coming from the other side," he told reporters after a site visit to the Serikin ICQS project. Those with sensitive respiratory conditions are advised to take extra precautions. Location: Bau, Sarawak Details: API readings reaching unhealthy levels; annual transboundary haze from Indonesia Source: DayakDaily Stay safe, everyone

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?

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?

Hot and dry weather is expected to continue across Sarawak until Aug 9, with possible transboundary haze — especially in southern parts of the state. MetMalaysia said prevailing southerly winds, combined with an increase in hotspots in neighbouring countries, could bring haze and reduced visibility. Its latest weather forecast also points to below-average rainfall across most of Borneo during this period. Meanwhile, Typhoon Dolphin, currently active over the western Pacific, is expected to move towards Okinawa, Japan, and then towards China by Aug 9. The typhoon is expected to strengthen westerly winds over Sabah and Labuan from Aug 6 to 9. [image: 1785924350668-weather-haze.jpg] MetMalaysia advises the public to check its official website, social media, or the myCuaca app for verified weather updates. Location: Sarawak (southern regions including Kuching) Details: Hot spell + possible haze until Aug 9 Source: Borneo Post Stay hydrated, folks. Is the heat already getting to you? What do you think?

Serian has entered the unhealthy API range, and Sarawak may see more haze over the next few days. [image: 1785146672063-haze_map_20260727.jpg] NREB Sarawak said the Southwest Monsoon is now carrying a higher risk of transboundary haze, especially if biomass burning outside Sarawak intensifies. The board said ASMC recorded 1,081 hotspots in Kalimantan from July 1 to 26. Of these, 442 were detected in the last five days. Sarawak recorded 16 hotspots during the same period. As of noon on July 27, Serian recorded an API reading of 151, which falls under the unhealthy category. Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Lundu, Tebedu and Lubok Antu were in the moderate range. NREB said it has activated its haze operations room, increased patrols, revoked earlier controlled-burning permits and suspended new controlled-burning permits for now. Location: Sarawak, including Serian and Kuching Details: NREB advised the public to drink enough water, reduce outdoor activity during hot and dry spells, and use N95 masks outdoors, especially for high-risk groups. Open burning can lead to a fine of up to RM100,000, jail up to five years, or both. Photo credit: DayakDaily / NREB Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?