Malaysia Ends Sarawak Haze Emergency as Air Improves, Risks Remain
Malaysia lifts emergency in Sarawak's Serian district as haze eases, but air quality remains very unhealthy.
Malaysia has revoked the emergency declaration imposed in the Serian district of Sarawak state, following a significant improvement in air quality caused by forest fires in Indonesian Borneo. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that pollution readings had fallen below the hazardous threshold.
The emergency was originally declared on Friday after thick smoke from fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region pushed the Air Pollution Index (API) in Serian to a perilous 519. The index categorizes readings above 300 as hazardous, with 500 being the level that triggers an emergency response.
By Monday, the API in Serian had dropped to 222, according to environment department data. This improvement prompted the King, Sultan Ibrahim, to consent to ending the state of emergency, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.
Despite the easing, authorities have cautioned that the situation is far from resolved. Air quality in several areas, particularly Serian and the neighboring Samarahan district, remains at very unhealthy levels. The haze has already forced school closures in parts of Sarawak.
The federal and state governments have pledged to continue close monitoring of the situation. Residents in affected areas are being advised to limit outdoor activities and follow official instructions as health risks persist.