Sarawak still grapples with haze


A breath of relief: Hazy skies seen over Kuching. Showers and cloudy skies offered some relief from worsening hotspots and haze in the southern Asean region yesterday, although hazardous air quality persisted in parts of Indonesian Borneo. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak continued to struggle with haze, with unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings recorded in several areas.

According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System, the readings were Serian (183), Sarikei (182), Samarahan (176), Kuching (175), Samalaju (165), Sri Aman (157), Sibu (155) and Mukah (154).

Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded an unhealthy reading of 167, while Larkin and Pasir Gudang in Johor recorded 119 and 112 respectively.

A total of 52 monitoring stations nationwide recorded mode­rate readings yesterday, ranging from 52 to 95.

Five stations in Kedah, Perlis and Penang recorded good air quality – Kulim Hi-Tech (47), Langkawi (30), Alor Setar (43), Kangar (30) and Balik Pulau (34).

The Asean Specialised Meteo­rological Centre said showers and cloudy conditions were observed over many parts of the southern Asean region yesterday morning, offering some relief from the worsening hotspot and smoke haze situation, although hazar­dous air quality readings were still recorded in parts of Indonesian Borneo.

In an update issued at 10.52am yesterday, the centre said overnight satellite imagery had detected clusters of scattered hotspots across central and southern Sumatra, as well as parts of West and Central Kalimantan.

“Moderate to dense smoke plumes were observed emana­ting from hotspots in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kali­mantan,” it said.

“A few air quality stations in West and Central Kalimantan are reporting hazardous levels, while stations in southern Sumatra, Sarawak and southern Peninsular Malaysia are reporting unhealthy levels.

“However, the full extent of the hotspot and haze situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover over the southern Asean region,” it added.

It added that showers in other parts of the southern Asean region might provide some relief, but the risk of transboundary haze remained, particularly in areas facing prolonged dry conditions.

Prevailing winds were forecast to blow from the southeast or south, potentially carrying smoke towards neighbouring areas depending on local weather patterns.

Meanwhile, the National Water Services Commission reported that three of the 49 dams nationwide were at critical levels as of yesterday – Sungai Pagar in Labuan, Lebam in Johor and Muda in Kedah.

Dams at warning levels inclu­ded Bukit Kuda in Labuan; Ahning in Kedah; and Gunung Pulai 1, Gunung Pulai 2, Upper Layang, Lower Layang and Pontian Kechil in Johor.

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak continued to struggle with haze, with unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings recorded in several areas.

According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System, the readings were Serian (183), Sarikei (182), Samarahan (176), Kuching (175), Samalaju (165), Sri Aman (157), Sibu (155) and Mukah (154).

Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded an unhealthy reading of 167, while Larkin and Pasir Gudang in Johor recorded 119 and 112 respectively.

A total of 52 monitoring stations nationwide recorded mode­rate readings yesterday, ranging from 52 to 95.

Five stations in Kedah, Perlis and Penang recorded good air quality – Kulim Hi-Tech (47), Langkawi (30), Alor Setar (43), Kangar (30) and Balik Pulau (34).

The Asean Specialised Meteo­rological Centre said showers and cloudy conditions were observed over many parts of the southern Asean region yesterday morning, offering some relief from the worsening hotspot and smoke haze situation, although hazar­dous air quality readings were still recorded in parts of Indonesian Borneo.

In an update issued at 10.52am yesterday, the centre said overnight satellite imagery had detected clusters of scattered hotspots across central and southern Sumatra, as well as parts of West and Central Kalimantan.

“Moderate to dense smoke plumes were observed emana­ting from hotspots in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kali­mantan,” it said.

“A few air quality stations in West and Central Kalimantan are reporting hazardous levels, while stations in southern Sumatra, Sarawak and southern Peninsular Malaysia are reporting unhealthy levels.

“However, the full extent of the hotspot and haze situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover over the southern Asean region,” it added.

It added that showers in other parts of the southern Asean region might provide some relief, but the risk of transboundary haze remained, particularly in areas facing prolonged dry conditions.

Prevailing winds were forecast to blow from the southeast or south, potentially carrying smoke towards neighbouring areas depending on local weather patterns.

Meanwhile, the National Water Services Commission reported that three of the 49 dams nationwide were at critical levels as of yesterday – Sungai Pagar in Labuan, Lebam in Johor and Muda in Kedah.

Dams at warning levels inclu­ded Bukit Kuda in Labuan; Ahning in Kedah; and Gunung Pulai 1, Gunung Pulai 2, Upper Layang, Lower Layang and Pontian Kechil in Johor.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Sarawak election less about power shift, more a popularity test for Abang Johari, says analysts
Winning Melaka comes first, says Adly amid CM candidacy talk
Penang studies bridge option to replace proposed undersea tunnel for third link
Digital Ministry drives digital transformation and literacy
Govt steps up efforts to transform postal and courier industry
Health Ministry seizes RM341,000 worth of weight-loss drug retatrutide, Parliament told
Profitable manufacturers reluctant to pay locals better wages, says Johari
Nine arrested after business territory dispute triggers riot in Desa Tun Razak
Melaka polls: Bandar Hilir car-free zone back in spotlight as Pakatan promises review
Sepang MotoGP records highest ticket sales since pandemic

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read