Indonesian fires push Sarawak air quality to hazardous levels
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Smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia has driven air quality in parts of Malaysian Borneo to hazardous levels. Malaysia's Health Ministry reported a sharp rise in asthma and conjunctivitis cases during the week of August 23 to 29. Hundreds of schools closed and Independence Day celebrations were cancelled in Sarawak.
Key Facts
- Six areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality on Tuesday, with Air Pollutant Index readings above 300.
- Kuching recorded an Air Pollutant Index of 407, while Serian hit 408.
- Asthma cases in Malaysia rose to 1,811 during the week of August 23 to 29, up from 219 the previous week.
- Conjunctivitis cases increased to 720 from 146 over the same period.
- The haze is the region's worst since 2015, when fires exposed tens of millions to toxic smoke and caused over 500,000 respiratory ailments.
Air Quality Crisis
Smoke from fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra has settled over Sarawak for much of August. The haze has also reached peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Anything above 100 on Malaysia's Air Pollutant Index is considered unhealthy. Visibility in Kuching dropped to about one kilometre, according to resident Mia Emylia Hassan.
Health Impact
Malaysia's Ministry of Health reported a sharp rise in respiratory illness nationwide. Asthma cases climbed to 1,811 during the week of August 23 to 29, up from 219 the previous week. Conjunctivitis cases rose to 720 from 146 over the same period. Asthma patient Karen-Michaela Tan, 52, near Kuala Lumpur required two nebuliser treatments and a heavy dose of steroids after the haze thickened.
Local Response
Hundreds of schools closed in Sarawak due to the hazardous air quality. Independence Day celebrations were cancelled in the state. Mia Emylia Hassan's 10-month-old daughter was rushed to the emergency room twice because she could not breathe.
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Indonesian fires push Sarawak air quality to hazardous levels