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.

Source: The Borneo Post / Chimon Upon