Serian Remains Under Haze Emergency Despite API Improvement

Serian continues to be under a haze emergency, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading improving but remaining in the very unhealthy category.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is monitoring the situation, with the API at the Serian air quality monitoring station falling to 273 by 2pm on September 5, 2026, after recording 334 at 10am. SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the committee will observe API levels for the next three days for any fluctuations before making recommendations to the Sarawak Premier and Prime Minister regarding the emergency status.

Six areas in Sarawak, including Serian with an API of 287, recorded very unhealthy air levels as of 1pm on September 5, 2026, while 25 areas across multiple states had unhealthy readings. Persistent dry weather in the Southern ASEAN region is linked to 139 hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra, contributing to moderate to thick haze affecting Malaysia.

The Department of Environment (DOE) is intensifying monitoring and urging public cooperation to report fires. The government is prepared to declare an emergency if API readings exceed 400, a measure considered if the level is very dangerous, as occurred in Serian when readings surpassed 500. Cloud seeding operations are being conducted, with cooperation from Indonesia allowing Malaysian air assets access to its airspace.

The town of Serian has become unusually quiet due to health concerns, with traders reporting a drop in business as residents avoid going outdoors. Workplaces in Serian affected by the haze emergency may continue operations but must implement health precautions. An emergency was declared in Serian after the API exceeded 500, with health advice issued to the public.

The declaration, consented to by King Sultan Ibrahim, covers the entire Serian Division and allows for more effective measures to protect residents' health and welfare.