World · Malaysia Bureau
Haze blankets peninsula as 20 areas breach unhealthy air quality threshold
Air pollution has reached unhealthy levels across two dozen locations nationwide, with Kuching and Serian in Sarawak registering the worst readings. The haze stretches from Sabah's east coast to peninsular Malaysia's northern reaches.
LSN Malaysia ·
Thick haze continues to grip large swathes of Malaysia, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpassing unhealthy thresholds in 20 areas as of mid-morning Thursday. Sarawak's Kuching and Serian regions bore the brunt of the pollution, each recording an API of 169, placing them well into the unhealthy bracket that typically triggers health advisories for vulnerable populations.
The haze stretches across a vast geographic corridor, extending from Tawau in Sabah through to Perak on the peninsula. Air quality monitoring authorities have noted the widespread nature of the pollution event, affecting both urban centres and smaller towns across the region.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to take precautionary measures, including limiting outdoor activities and using protective masks when venturing outside. The Malaysian Department of Environment continues to monitor air quality readings throughout the day, with updates provided regularly to the public.
Authorities have not yet pinpointed specific sources contributing to the current pollution event. Regional haze in Southeast Asia typically stems from a combination of local emissions and transboundary sources, particularly during certain seasonal conditions.