Sarawak nears haze emergency with worst air quality since 2019
Sarawak, Malaysia, is facing its worst air quality since 2019 due to forest fires in Kalimantan and local sources, with pollution levels nearing emergency thresholds. Authorities have advised the public to wear masks and are considering emergency measures if the Air Pollution Index hits 500.
Why it matters
Environmental crises like transboundary haze pose significant public health risks and economic disruption to Southeast Asian regions.
The Air Pollution Index surpassed the 301 hazardous threshold in Sarawak’s capital Kuching around noon on Aug 30.
Listen Summarise Sarawak's air quality has worsened to its highest level since 2019, with the Air Pollution Index nearing emergency status and public urged to wear masks outdoors. The haze, caused by forest fires in Kalimantan and local fires, has led to cancelled events and cloud-seeding operations to improve air and water quality. Health issues have surged, with a rise in asthma cases, and Greenpeace calls for laws to hold companies accountable for transboundary haze pollution. AI generated
KUALA LUMPUR – The East Malaysian state of Sarawak is experiencing its worst air quality since 2019, with one monitoring station recording a peak Air Pollution Index (API) level of 475 – nearing the threshold for an emergency declaration.
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