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By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
PUTRAJAYA: August 12, 2026 – Serian, Sarawak recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 204 at the very unhealthy level as of 3 pm today, following the haze situation that has been affecting the country since 8 August, while 11 other monitoring stations recorded unhealthy readings.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) reported that nine of the 11 stations are located in Sarawak, namely Samarahan and Kuching, which recorded API readings of 177 each, Sarikei (161), Sri Aman (158), Bintulu (154), Miri (152), Sibu (135), and Samalaju (120).
In Peninsular Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur recorded an API of 122, Putrajaya (121), and Shah Alam, Selangor (112).
According to NRES, the deterioration of air quality in Sarawak is due to transboundary haze and local fires at a landfill site under the supervision of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), involving an estimated area of approximately 1.5 hectares.
Forest and bush fires in Sri Aman have also occurred, with an estimated area of 100 hectares, while firefighting operations are still actively underway at both locations.
Satellite monitoring by NOAA-20 on 11 August also detected 12 hotspots in Malaysia, including 11 in Sarawak and one in Pahang.
A total of 60 hotspots were detected in Sumatra and 354 in Kalimantan.
NRES expects the dry conditions to persist across most southern areas of the ASEAN region, which could potentially increase the occurrence of hotspots and transboundary haze.
Members of the public in affected areas are advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks, drink sufficient water, and avoid open burning.
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability
