Monday, 10 August 2026

10 districts of Sarawak have remained at unhealthy levels

KUCHING, Aug 10 2026: The air quality in Sarawak has remained mostly unhealthy, with 10 districts registering Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of over 100 as at 8am today.

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) on its website, Serian district registered the highest API reading of 178.

This was followed by Lubok Antu (163), Tebedu (163). Kuching (161, Samarahan (160), Sibu (157), Sri Aman (156), Mukah (155),  Sarikei (155), Bintulu (143) and Samalaju (128).

Lundu registered an API reading of 99 while Miri recorded an API reading of 96 and ILP Miri, 91.

Lawas and Bario both recorded an API readings of 68, deemed as moderate.


Sunday, 9 August 2026

Hazy conditions in Sarawak are worsening

KUCHING, Aug 9 2026: The air quality in Sarawak is getting worse, with 10 districts registering Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of over 100 or unhealthy level as at 4pm today.

Caption: Hazy condition in Kuching

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) on its website, Serian district registered the highest API reading at 169.

This was followed by Kuching and Samarahan (both 156), Sri Aman (155), Bintulu (154), Sarikei and Samalaju (both 152), Tebedu (126), Miri (121) and Lundu (105).

Sibu registered an API reading of 100 while Mukah recorded an API reading of 95 and ILP Miri, 93. 

API Levels and Meanings:

Good (0–50): Air quality is safe; pollution poses little or no risk.

Moderate (51–100): Air quality is acceptable, though sensitive individuals may experience minor issues.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease may face health effects.

Unhealthy (151–200): General public health effects can occur; sensitive groups may experience more serious issues.

Very Unhealthy (201–300): Health alert warning of emergency conditions for the entire population.

Hazardous (301–500): Emergency warning; everyone is likely to be heavily affected and should avoid outdoor activities.

In a matter of 12 days since its opening, Sarawak Science Centre receives over 40,000 visitors

KUCHING, Aug 9 2026:  Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) has recorded over 40,000 visitors, including from outside Malaysia, since it opened on July 29, including about 11,000 visitors in a single day.

Caption: Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says the visitors those from China, Japan and Indonesia

Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development  Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the number showed an encouraging response to the centre as a platform for learning and exploring science and technology.

He said the presence of visitors from China, Japan and Indonesia, including Kalimantan, also showed that the Sarawak Science Centre has appeal to communities outside Sarawak.

He was  speaking at the closing of the ‘Educational Leadership in Heritage and Science for Economic Resilience Programme’ at SSCiEx, Petra Jaya, here today.

According to him, technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, biotechnology, digital technology and the green economy are changing the landscape of industries and careers, thus requiring future generations to be equipped with a wider range of skills.

Sagah said, the Sarawak government through the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) continues to focus on STEM education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital education, innovation and talent development under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

He said the approach of combining heritage with scientific knowledge also has the potential to make traditional knowledge a source for education, research, creative industries, sustainable tourism, community enterprises and new economic opportunities.

Also present were the President of the National Dayak Bidayuh Association (DBNA) Ik Pahon Joyik, Director of the Sarawak Museum Department Anielia Siam and Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC)  Sudarnoto Osman.

(UPDATED) Air quality in Sarawak continues to deteriorate

KUCHING, Aug 9 2026:  Air quality in Sarawak has continued to deteriorate with nine districts registering Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy level as at 12noon today,

Caption: The hazy conditions blanketing Kuching

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the API reading for Serian is the highest in the state at 170 .

This is followed by Samarahan (156), Bintulu (155), Kuching (154), Sri Aman (153), Sarikei (133), Samalaju (152), Miri (117) and Tebedu (116).

Other districts with API readings at 90 and above are Lundu (99), Mukah (95),  Sibu (93) and ILP Miri (92),

The API reading for Bario is the lowest at 62 and Lawas at 65. 

]API Levels and Meanings:

Good (0–50): Air quality is safe; pollution poses little or no risk.

Moderate (51–100): Air quality is acceptable, though sensitive individuals may experience minor issues.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease may face health effects.

Unhealthy (151–200): General public health effects can occur; sensitive groups may experience more serious issues.

Very Unhealthy (201–300): Health alert warning of emergency conditions for the entire population.

Hazardous (301–500): Emergency warning; everyone is likely to be heavily affected and should avoid outdoor activities.