By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 21: Air quality in Sarawak has begun to deteriorate following a rise in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings since July 19, with a potential transboundary haze event expected in the coming days due to increasing hotspots in Kalimantan.
As of 8am today (July 21), three areas in Sarawak recorded API readings in the ‘Good’ category while fifteen areas were in the ‘Moderate’ range. No areas have recorded ‘Unhealthy’ levels yet.
According to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), only four hotspots were detected in Sarawak between July 14 and 20. However, a concerning 114 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia, with 93 of them appearing in just the past two days (July 19–20).
“As Malaysia is currently in the Southwest Monsoon phase, which began on May 10, 2025 and is expected to end in Sept 2025, the region will experience consistent winds blowing from the southwest.
“This condition could lead to the possibility of transboundary haze and deterioration of ambient air quality in the Sarawak region.
“Sarawak may experience haze in the coming days or weeks if biomass burning continues to intensify beyond Sarawak’s borders,” said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) in a media statement.
NREB has activated its haze operations room, suspended the issuance of open burning permits, increased on-ground patrols, and issued warnings to developers while coordinating public awareness campaigns to mitigate haze risks.
Despite these efforts, the agency called on all government bodies and the public to take shared responsibility in addressing the root causes and reducing the risk of haze.
The public is advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and wear N95 face masks during hot and dry weather, especially high-risk groups.
NREB also reminded the public not to conduct open burning, which can aggravate air pollution. Offenders can be prosecuted under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap 84, Laws of Sarawak, Ed 1958), carrying penalties of up to RM100,000, five years in prison, or both.
“The public is also encouraged to help extinguish small fires and report open burning cases to the nearest NREB office or via the NREB Hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500. Confidentiality of reports is guaranteed under Section 38 (Whistleblower Protection) of the same Ordinance,” it said. — DayakDaily
