KUCHING – Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures as worsening haze conditions continue to affect Kuching.
The call was made by the Mayor of Kuching North, Yang Berbahagia Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman, amid deteriorating air quality reported in several areas across Sarawak.
The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) advised members of the public, particularly those living in the city, to closely monitor air quality and reduce outdoor activities when pollution levels become unhealthy.
The current haze situation has also been linked to cross-border factors, with smoke from nearby areas being carried into Sarawak by prevailing wind patterns.
Information received by the authorities indicates that 19 areas across Sarawak could potentially be affected by cross-border haze over the coming days.
The situation has prompted authorities to remind residents to take greater care of their health and remain aware of changing air quality conditions.
As of 7.00 pm on Saturday, 8 August 2026, the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading recorded in Sarawak was 169 at IPD Serian.
Samarahan recorded an API reading of 155, while Bintulu registered 154. Kuching recorded a reading of 152 during the same period.
All four locations were classified within the Unhealthy category based on their reported API readings.
With air quality at unhealthy levels in several locations, residents have been advised to limit unnecessary outdoor activities, particularly when conditions deteriorate.
DBKU said members of the public should continue to observe the situation and make decisions based on the latest air quality readings and official advice.
The advisory also stressed the importance of taking appropriate precautions to protect personal health and the wellbeing of family members.
Residents are encouraged to remain informed as the haze situation develops, particularly because air quality can change depending on weather and wind conditions.
The cross-border nature of the haze also means that smoke can be transported into affected areas by prevailing winds, potentially influencing air quality in locations away from the original sources.
Authorities have further reminded the public not to contribute to the problem through open burning.
Residents who notice suspicious burning activities are encouraged to report them to the relevant authorities.
The warning comes as haze conditions continue to raise concerns about air quality in parts of Sarawak.
DBKU said public awareness and responsible behaviour remain important in helping to maintain safe conditions within the city.
The mayor also stressed the need for residents to remain attentive to developments and follow advice issued by the authorities.
“The public is also urged to always be aware of the current situation, take care of their own health and that of their families and take appropriate measures based on the air quality conditions from time to time.
“In the current poor weather and air quality conditions, avoid open burning, report any suspicious burning activities to the authorities and always be aware of the surrounding conditions.
“We want to ensure that Kuching remains a clean, safe and comfortable city to live in,” he said.
The advice covers both personal precautions and community responsibility, with residents being asked to play their part in preventing additional pollution.
Reducing outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality can help residents limit their exposure to polluted air.
At the same time, avoiding open burning can help prevent additional smoke from worsening existing haze conditions.
DBKU also urged residents to continue following updates from the authorities rather than relying on outdated information about the air quality situation.
As conditions may change over time, residents have been advised to adjust their activities according to the latest available air quality readings.
The authority’s warning comes as Kuching recorded an API reading of 152, placing the city among the areas reporting unhealthy air quality at the time of the latest reading.
Other locations, including Serian, Samarahan and Bintulu, also recorded unhealthy readings.
The highest reading of 169 was recorded at IPD Serian, followed by Samarahan at 155, Bintulu at 154 and Kuching at 152.
The identification of 19 potentially affected areas also indicates that the haze situation could extend beyond the locations that had already recorded unhealthy readings.
Residents across affected areas are therefore being encouraged to remain cautious and monitor official information in the coming days.
For Kuching residents, DBKU’s advisory focuses on reducing exposure when air quality is poor, maintaining awareness of changing conditions and taking appropriate precautions.
The authority also reiterated the importance of keeping the city environment safe and avoiding activities that could further contribute to air pollution.
As the haze situation develops, residents are expected to continue monitoring air quality and follow instructions or recommendations issued by the authorities.
The latest advisory is aimed at encouraging residents to take practical precautions while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
DBKU said the collective efforts of city residents remain important to maintaining Kuching as a clean, safe and comfortable place to live.
