Samarahan exits hazardous air quality zone as Sarawak haze eases

KUCHING — Samarahan district in Sarawak has returned to unhealthy air quality status, no longer registering in the hazardous category as regional haze conditions show modest signs of improvement.

The shift was recorded early Monday morning as the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings declined from critical levels. Samarahan's exit from the hazardous threshold represents the first notable improvement in air quality across the state in recent days.

Other areas in Sarawak continue to monitor conditions closely, with several districts remaining in the unhealthy range. The slight improvement in Samarahan suggests that atmospheric conditions may be gradually stabilising, though environmental officials are maintaining vigilance given the region's vulnerability to transboundary haze.

Residents have been advised to continue taking precautions despite the modest improvement, particularly those in vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. State authorities are expected to provide updated API readings throughout the week as the situation develops.