Malaysia declared an emergency in the Serian district of Sarawak after thick haze from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia pushed air pollution to hazardous levels, prompting authorities to take extraordinary
measures to protect public health. The Air Pollution Index (API) in Serian reached 519 on Friday, government data showed. Malaysia classifies API readings above 300 as hazardous, while 500 is the threshold for declaring an emergency.
The emergency declaration, covering only the Serian district, was issued by Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim after advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg. The move comes as Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, continues to be affected by fires on the Indonesian side of the island. Thick smoke has previously forced authorities to close schools in parts of the Malaysian state.
Why Did Malaysia Declare An Emergency?
The immediate reason was the severe deterioration in air quality in Serian. Sarawak disaster management committee chairman Douglas Uggah Embas said the state had requested an emergency declaration after the API reading crossed 500, a level considered dangerous to public health.
Under Malaysia’s system, an API reading above 300 is already classified as hazardous. The reading of 519 therefore placed Serian well beyond the threshold at which authorities can invoke emergency measures. The declaration is intended to allow authorities to respond to the health and safety risks created by the prolonged haze.
Where Is Haze Coming From?
Much of the smoke affecting Sarawak is linked to forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia. Sarawak and Indonesia share the island of Borneo, meaning fires and land-clearing activity on the Indonesian side can send smoke across the border when weather conditions carry it towards Malaysia.
The haze has become a recurring regional problem in Southeast Asia, particularly during periods of dry weather, when fires can spread and smoke can remain trapped over populated areas.
What Is Malaysia Doing To Deal With Haze?
Authorities are taking measures to limit the impact of the pollution while also trying to improve conditions. Cloud-seeding operations were being carried out in an effort to trigger rainfall and help clear the haze. The emergency will be restricted to Serian district, covering an area within roughly a 20-kilometre radius.
Despite the emergency declaration, essential services will continue operating. Supermarkets, petrol stations and banks are expected to remain open, according to officials.
