Malaysia Lifts Haze Emergency in Sarawak, but Poor Air Quality Persists

September 8, 2026 | 01:16 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysia has lifted a state of emergency in Sarawak after air pollution caused by haze from fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan fell from hazardous levels, although authorities warned that conditions in parts of the state remain unhealthy.

The emergency in Serian district ended early Monday, September 7, after air quality improved following several days of heavy haze. Malaysia's Department of Environment recorded an Air Pollution Index (API) reading of 222 in Serian on Monday, down from 519 on Friday, as reported by CNA.

Malaysia considers API readings above 300 hazardous, while a reading of 500 can trigger an emergency declaration.

The emergency was declared on Friday after thick smoke from fires in Kalimantan crossed into Sarawak and pushed pollution levels in Serian to critical levels. The haze also affected other parts of the state, prompting school closures in some areas.

Why did Malaysia lift the emergency?

CNA also reported that King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar approved the termination of the emergency following recommendations from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.

The decision was also based on assessments from government agencies showing that air quality in Serian had fallen below the hazardous threshold, the Prime Minister's Office said Monday.

Despite the improvement, authorities said the haze had not completely cleared.

Air pollution remained at "very unhealthy" levels in several areas, particularly Serian and Samarahan districts. The federal and Sarawak governments will continue monitoring air quality, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to limit outdoor activities and follow instructions from authorities.

Haze linked to fires in Kalimantan

The latest haze episode has been linked to fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan, where land and forest fires have produced thick smoke that can travel across the border into Sarawak.

The impact of the fires depends partly on weather and wind conditions, which can carry smoke across national borders and cause air quality to deteriorate in neighboring areas.

The situation has once again highlighted the recurring problem of transboundary haze in Southeast Asia. Indonesia's forest and land fires have periodically affected air quality in Malaysia and other neighboring countries, particularly during dry periods.

Although the emergency in Serian has been lifted, Malaysian authorities said the situation still requires close monitoring as pollution levels remain elevated in parts of Sarawak.

Fact Check: Did Malaysia Deploy an Aircraft to Fight Sumatra Fires in 2026?

3 jam lalu

Indonesia, Malaysia Police Step Up Fight Against Cross-Border Drug Trafficking

6 jam lalu

Jokowi Calls for 'UN 2.0' at Penang Peace Dialogue

1 hari lalu

Malaysian PM Anwar Phones Jokowi During Penang Visit

1 hari lalu

Malaysia's King Approves Haze Emergency in Serian, Sarawak

2 hari lalu

How to Keep Children Safe from Wildfire Smoke

3 hari lalu

Malaysia's Middle Path Between China and US Faces New Tests

4 hari lalu

Malaysia Begins Cloud Seeding in Sarawak to Combat Haze

4 hari lalu

Indonesia Begins First Rice Exports to Malaysia

7 hari lalu

How Eagle High Plantations Respond to Malaysia's Felda Investment Spat

10 hari lalu