Malaysia declares haze emergency in Sarawak's Serian division
A state of emergency was declared in Sarawak's Serian division as haze from Indonesia pushes the Air Pollutant Index above 500, prompting school closures and cloud‑seeding efforts.
Malaysia has declared a local emergency in the Sarawak district of Serian division after haze from neighbouring Indonesia's Kalimantan region drove the Air Pollutant Index (API) to a peak of 519, well above the hazardous threshold of 300.
Emergency declared
The emergency order, signed by King Sultan Ibrahim following a request from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, mandates the closure of 647 schools from Monday until at least the end of next week. Government offices, private firms, plantations, construction sites and quarries in Serian are also shut, with only essential services remaining operational.
Cloud‑seeding response
To combat the smog, the Royal Malaysian Air Force launched a three‑day cloud‑seeding programme on Thursday, targeting the Batang Ai catchment area. Authorities say the operation produced measurable rainfall and will be extended until Monday as meteorologists expect more favourable cloud formations.
"Please minimise outdoor activities and avoid strenuous activities outdoors," said Douglas Uggah Embas, chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, during a press conference in Kuching.
He added that residents should wear N95 or at least three‑ply masks, especially protecting children, seniors and those with pre‑existing conditions.
Looking ahead
Emergency agencies are distributing clean drinking water and continue to monitor API levels. If pollution remains above 500, further extensions of cloud‑seeding and additional public health advisories are likely. The disruption to schools and workplaces underscores the broader economic impact of trans‑border haze, prompting calls for stronger regional cooperation on forest‑fire management.
