Sarawak air quality worsens as regional hotspots surge across Borneo

Air quality in parts of Sarawak has deteriorated to hazardous levels, with Serian registering particularly poor readings in recent days. The decline coincides with a sharp increase in hotspots detected across the wider region, according to data from the environment department.

Indonesian authorities have identified 795 hotspots in Kalimantan, 144 in Sumatra, and three in Sarawak. The concentration of hotspots in Indonesian territories suggests that transboundary smoke and haze from land and forest clearing activities across the border remain a significant contributor to air quality degradation affecting Malaysian states.

Serian residents and businesses have been advised to take precautionary measures, including reducing outdoor activities and using air purifiers indoors. Schools and offices in affected areas may implement contingency plans if air quality readings reach more severe levels.

Environmental officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies to track the movement of hotspots and forecast air quality trends in the coming days. Continued vigilance is expected as the region enters periods typically associated with increased land-clearing activities.