Clearer skies return to Kuching as Sarawak air quality improves; Lubok Antu remains unhealthy

Clearer skies, with some clouds, over Kuching as the Sarawak Legislative Complex is visible in the background on Sept 16, 2026, as lingering haze begins to lift.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 16: After days of lingering haze, Kuching residents were greeted by clearer skies and sunnier views this morning as air quality across most parts of Sarawak showed marked improvement.

As of 10am today, 18 of the 19 air quality monitoring stations across the State recorded readings in the “Good” or “Moderate” categories, according to data from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak.

Kuching recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 71, placing the State capital in the “Moderate” category, which covers readings between 51 and 100.

However, Lubok Antu remained the only area in the State with “Unhealthy” air quality, recording an API of 123.

NREB guidelines state that API readings between 101 and 200 may pose health concerns, particularly by aggravating existing conditions among high-risk individuals, including those with heart or lung problems.

At the other end of the scale, Bario recorded the cleanest air in the state with an API of 13, falling within the “Good” category.

Other locations recording “Good” air quality were ILP Miri and Limbang, both at 42, Sarikei at 46, and Miri at 50.

Meanwhile, the remaining monitoring stations recorded “Moderate” readings, with Mukah and Samalaju at 52, Lundu, Tebedu and Lawas at 53, Sri Aman at 54, Kapit at 55, Bintulu and Betong (MCAQM) at 59, Serian at 63, Samarahan at 64, Kanowit at 65 and Sibu at 67.

The latest readings indicate a broad improvement in air quality compared with the haze conditions experienced in recent days, although some areas continue to require close monitoring.

NREB said API values are calculated using a 24-hour running average based on the most dominant pollutant parameter. — DayakDaily