Air quality in Sarawak continues to deteriorate

KUCHING, Aug 9 2026:  Air quality in Sarawak has continued to deteriorate with six districts registering Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy level.

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 as at 8am today.

This is followed by Samarahan (157), Kuching and Bintulu (both 155), Samalaju (152) and Tebedu (112)  while the API reading for Sri Aman was  recorded at 100 which is considered as still moderate.

Other districts with API readings at 90 and above are Miri (97), Mukah (96), Sarikei ( 94), Lundu (94), ILP Miri (92), and Sibu (90).

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

According to Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Douglas Uggah, the poor air quality is caused by cross-border transboundary haze blown from neighbouring regions. 

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.

Use official channels to obtain accurate and authentic information regarding government policies, advises Billy

LUNDU, Aug 8 2026: Opar State Legislative Member (SLM) Billy Sujang has advised the people to use official government channels as the main reference for obtaining accurate and authentic information regarding government policies, assistance and services to avoid confusion due to the dissemination of unverified information on social media.

Caption: SLM Billy Sujang says official government channels need to be used as the main reference for obtaining accurate and authentic information

He said the public needs to be more vigilant in receiving information disseminated via social media, especially content whose source and authenticity cannot be identified.

According to him, the development of technology and the increasingly widespread use of social media makes it easier for information to be disseminated to the public, but at the same time also increases the risk of receiving inaccurate information.

“Official government channels need to be used as the main reference for obtaining accurate and authentic information regarding government policies, assistance and services,” he said when officiating the closing of the Aku Kasih Malaysia Seminar at the Kampung Serayan Baru Hall today.

Billy said the people also need to first check the authenticity of information before believing or spreading it to others to avoid spreading news that can cause confusion.

He said that understanding official information is very important, especially regarding government initiatives because it involves qualifications, application procedures and service channels that the people need to know.

Billy  said that the Aku Kasih Malaysia seminar also provided space for the community to understand aspects of nationhood, the history of the formation of Malaysia, the role of the people in national development and the importance of preserving unity.

In this regard, he expressed hope that such programmes could be continued and expanded to more communities, especially the younger generation, to increase understanding of nationhood and ensure that the community obtains accurate information from legitimate sources.

 

Don't simply swallow any unverified information disseminated via social media, Mong advises rural communities

SIMANGGANG, Aug 8: Bukit Begunan State Legislative Member (SLM) Mong Dagang has advised the rural communities to be more vigilant when receiving and evaluating information disseminated via social media to avoid spreading unverified news.

Caption: Bukit Begunan SLM Mong Dagang advises the rural communities not to simply believe or spread news whose truth has not been confirmed

He said they need to check the sources and authenticity of information first before believing or spreading it.

He added the development of social media has indeed made it easier to convey information to the rural communities, but at the same time it has also opened up space for the dissemination of content whose sources and authenticity are unknown.

“Do not easily believe or spread news whose truth has not been confirmed. The community needs to first check the source and authenticity of the information received,” he said this when speaking at the leaders=meet-the people at Kathleen Banggau longhouse here today.

Mong said a responsible approach in receiving information is very important, especially regarding current issues that have the potential to cause confusion among the community.

He encouraged them to obtain information from authentic and authoritative sources before drawing any conclusions or sharing content with others.

Touching on the programme, he described the face-to-face meeting as enabling various matters relating to the community to be discussed directly, in addition to providing a space for residents to obtain accurate explanations on current issues.

At the same event, Mong approved the allocation under minor rural project (MRP) of RM8,000 to the the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of the longhouse as well as RM4,000 to the women’s bureau.

The allocation is to help strengthen the implementation of community, welfare and community development activities at the longhouse.

Sports facilities and health services at Sarikei Hospital to be upgraded, says premier

SARIKEI, Aug  8 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg said sports facilities at Sarikei Stadium and healthcare services will be upgraded while 10 more dialysis machines will be added to Sarikei Hospital.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says 10 more dialysis machines to be placed in Sarikei Hospital

He said a proposal to upgrade Sarikei Stadium was submitted by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment and Kuala Rajang Assemblyman Len Talif Salleh.

He said the addition of 10 dialysis machines at Sarikei Hospital will improve treatment facilities and benefit patients in need of such services.

“So we can add 10 dialysis machines in Sarikei, to be placed at Sarikei Hospital,” he said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) 2026 programme here today.

In another development, Abang Johari said plans to expand Tanjung Manis Airport to enable ATR aircraft operations are expected to open up more opportunities for the growth of the tourism and economic sectors in the area.

He also highlighted the potential of carbon trading through the mangrove forest areas in Sarikei as a new revenue source to be explored.

According to him, the mangrove ecosystem possesses the capacity to store carbon over a long period, thereby providing value to Sarawak in the carbon trading market.

“Carbon trading according to eco-science shows that the land capable of long-term carbon storage is mangrove land. So we have the largest National Park in Malaysia in terms of Mangrove National Parks.

“Imagine how much carbon can be stored, and foreigners who emit carbon will buy, while we store carbon in the mangrove areas.”

In connection with this, he stated Len Taif has been asked to conduct a study on the potential of carbon trading, including the value that can be generated to be channeled back to fund development in Sarikei Division.

The programme also witnessed the symbolic presentation of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) assistance as well as the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).

Also present were Deputy Premiers Douglas Uggah Embas,  Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Secretary Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers, Members of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, heads of departments and other invited guests.

SDMC identiying several areas in Sarawak to be affected by transboundary haze in coming days

KUCHING, Aug 8 2026: The transboundary haze blown from a neighbouring regions is expected to affect several areas in Sarawak in the coming days, warned State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Douglas Uggah Embas in a statement today.

Caption: SDMC  chairman and Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah warns that the latest forecast indicates that air quality may deteriorate in certain areas

He said the areas include Betong, Bintulu, Daro, Julau, Kanowit, Kuching, Lundu, Marudi, Miri, Mukah, Pakan, Samarahan, Saratok, Serian, Sibu, Simunjan, Song, Sri Aman and Tatau.

“The latest forecast also indicates that air quality may deteriorate in certain areas, with unhealthy air quality forecast for Miri and Serian on August 8, followed by Betong on August 9,” he said.

According to MetMalaysia, he said the current haze affecting parts of Sarawak is transboundary in nature, with prevailing wind patterns carrying smoke from hotspots in neighbouring regions into the state.

Uggah, who is also a deputy premier, said SDMC is closely monitoring the ongoing haze situation in the state following the latest Haze Movement Report issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) today.

He added as weather conditions and wind patterns may change, the public is advised to remain vigilant and monitor the latest Air Pollution Index (API) readings and official advisories.

In view of the prevailing haze conditions, he advised the public to monitor the latest API readings and official advisories.and reduce outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, when air quality deteriorates.• Keep doors and windows closed when haze levels are high.

He also the public to wear a suitable face mask when outdoors, particularly for children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions.

He also advised them to stay well hydrated and seek medical attention if experiencing breathing difficulties, chest discomfort or persistent coughing.

:Do not engage in open burning and report any fire or open-burning activities to the relevant authorities,” he warned, saying that  open burning is an offence under the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance.

He said offenders may be liable to a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

He said members of the public are urged to report any cases of open burning to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) through the following hotlines: 082-447 488, 082-319 500.