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Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak town as haze reaches critical level
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak, after air pollution levels surged to an emergency threshold of 521 due to fires in Indonesia, with hazardous air quality also reported in Kuching.
- The emergency declaration, approved by Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, enables stricter measures such as halting nonessential work and outdoor activities; schools are already closed when pollution exceeds an index of 200.
- The haze, caused by smoke from Indonesian forest and peat fires, has severely affected Southeast Asia this year, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Singapore, exacerbated by dry conditions and increased fire activity.
- Indonesian authorities have detected hundreds of fire hotspots, arrested 112 suspects for illegal land burning, and suspended licenses of five companies linked to fires, while firefighting efforts and rain induction attempts continue.
- The Philippines has also taken precautionary measures, including suspending classes in affected regions and advising residents to minimize outdoor exposure and wear masks due to poor air quality.
