KUCHING — The Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) has warned that Lundu and Tebedu are at high risk of deteriorating air quality due to transboundary haze drifting from wildfire hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
As of 8am today, air quality readings from monitoring stations showed that Lundu recorded an Air Pollution Index (API) of 125 — categorised as unhealthy — while Tebedu registered a moderate reading of 69.
“Most of the hotspots detected in neighbouring countries are close to the Lundu and Tebedu areas,” NREB said in a statement on Friday, citing satellite data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).
The agency also referred to haze trajectory modelling using the HYSPLIT system by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, which indicated a moderate haze impact forecast for western Sarawak over the next 72 hours.
To curb the spread of haze and prevent local outbreaks, NREB has deployed physical patrols and drone surveillance in high-risk zones such as peatlands, agricultural plots, scrubland, and landfills.
“These measures have significantly reduced open burning activities,” the statement noted, pointing to a stark contrast in hotspot numbers: only 62 hotspots detected in Sarawak compared to 448 in neighbouring Kalimantan from 18 to 24 July 2025.
NREB reaffirmed its commitment to cross-border collaboration, referencing the 37th Sosek-Malindo Conference held in November last year, where Sarawak and West Kalimantan agreed to intensify joint efforts against forest fires and haze pollution.
“NREB welcomes continued collaboration with West Kalimantan, including joint patrols and training, to enhance long-term prevention,” the agency added.
In the event of a sharp spike in pollution, the public will be informed via mass media, official websites, and social media channels. The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) has also been briefed and is prepared to implement emergency responses such as school closures if API levels breach Ministry of Education thresholds.
The public is urged to refrain from open burning and to report any incidents to the nearest NREB office or contact the NREB Hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500.
