Kuching recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index reading of 169 at 10am on Sept 19, as most monitored areas in Sarawak remained in the unhealthy range. Kanowit recorded the state’s highest reading at 182, followed by Lubok Antu at 179 and Serian at 170. Samarahan and Sri Aman were both at 163, while Lundu recorded 162. Miri, Limbang and Bario remained in lower categories, and no reading was available for Mukah. The Department of Environment said the latest regional haze picture included smoke plumes from hotspots in Kalimantan moving towards western Sarawak. People should avoid open burning and rely on official air-quality and health updates, especially if they are sensitive to haze.

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?