KUCHING – Several areas across Sarawak are expected to experience the effects of transboundary haze over the coming days, with authorities monitoring changes in air quality and weather conditions.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said it was continuing to monitor the situation following the latest Haze Movement Report issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on August 8.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the haze affecting parts of the state was transboundary in nature.
According to him, prevailing wind conditions were carrying smoke from hotspots in neighbouring areas into Sarawak.
“Based on the latest assessment, transboundary haze is expected to affect several areas in Sarawak over the coming days. The public is advised to remain vigilant and monitor the latest Air Pollution Index (API) readings and official advisories,” he said.
The areas identified as potentially affected include Betong, Bintulu, Daro, Julau, Kanowit, Kuching, Lundu, Marudi and Miri.
Other areas listed are Mukah, Pakan, Samarahan, Saratok, Serian, Sibu, Simunjan, Song, Sri Aman and Tatau.
Authorities said air quality could deteriorate in some locations as the haze develops.
The latest forecast indicated that unhealthy PM2.5 concentrations were expected in Miri and Serian on August 8.
Betong was subsequently forecast to experience unhealthy PM2.5 concentrations on August 9.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that can affect air quality and may pose health concerns, particularly when concentrations increase.
The authorities stressed that weather conditions and wind direction could change from time to time, meaning the haze situation could also vary between locations and over different periods.
Members of the public have therefore been advised to monitor the latest air quality readings and official announcements rather than relying on a single forecast.
Uggah also urged residents to reduce outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates.
Strenuous outdoor exercise should be avoided during periods when haze levels become elevated, particularly in areas recording poorer air quality.
Residents were also advised to keep doors and windows closed when haze levels are high in their respective areas.
People who need to spend time outdoors have been encouraged to take appropriate precautions.
This includes wearing a suitable face mask, with particular attention advised for children, older people and individuals with respiratory conditions.
The public has also been advised to maintain adequate fluid intake during the haze period.
People experiencing breathing difficulties, chest discomfort or persistent coughing have been advised to seek medical attention.
The health advice comes as authorities continue to assess the movement and intensity of haze across different parts of Sarawak.
In addition to monitoring air quality, authorities have also reminded residents not to contribute to the haze situation through open burning.
Uggah urged the public not to engage in open burning and called on residents to report fires or open-burning activities to the relevant authorities.
“The public is also urged not to engage in open burning and to report any fire or open-burning activities to the relevant authorities,” he said.
Open burning is an offence under the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance.
Those found committing the offence may face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Members of the public who come across cases of open burning can report them to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
The NREB can be contacted at 082-447 488 or 082-319 500 for reports relating to open burning.
The authorities’ warning comes as several parts of Sarawak remain under observation for possible deterioration in air quality.
The list of potentially affected locations covers areas across different parts of the state, including major urban centres, rural districts and coastal areas.
Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and Samarahan are among the locations identified, while several other districts have also been included in the assessment.
The situation is being monitored in coordination with several government agencies.
SDMC is working with MetMalaysia, the NREB, the Department of Environment (DOE) and other relevant agencies to track developments and coordinate response measures.
The agencies will continue monitoring the haze and air quality conditions to support measures aimed at protecting public health and safety.
Weather and wind patterns remain important factors in determining how smoke moves between areas.
As conditions can change, the authorities have encouraged residents to obtain updated information through official channels.
The public has also been urged to remain calm while taking the necessary precautions during periods of deteriorating air quality.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to check the latest API readings before planning outdoor activities.
Those who experience health symptoms associated with exposure to poor air quality should take appropriate action and seek medical attention when necessary.
The authorities’ advice is aimed at reducing exposure to haze while ensuring that residents remain informed as the situation develops.
At the same time, the warning against open burning is intended to prevent additional smoke from worsening local air quality.
With several areas identified as potentially affected, monitoring will continue across the state in the coming days.
SDMC and its partner agencies will assess further developments and coordinate response measures based on changes in air quality, weather conditions and wind patterns.
For residents, the immediate advice remains to monitor official updates, limit strenuous outdoor activities when haze levels rise, take appropriate protective measures and avoid activities that could contribute to further smoke pollution.
The latest assessment indicates that transboundary haze may continue to affect parts of Sarawak, making continued monitoring and public awareness important as conditions develop.
