Kalimantan hotspots continue to drive Sarawak haze

KUCHING: More than 24,000 hotspots detected in Kalimantan are continuing to send haze towards Sarawak, where Kanowit recorded a very unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading today (Sept. 23).

Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak’s Environmental Quality Controller, Datuk Jack Liam, said 24,457 hotspots had been detected in Kalimantan to date, compared with 374 in Sarawak.

“Based on the latest assessment of hotspot distribution and prevailing wind patterns, the current haze episode affecting Sarawak is assessed to be predominantly transboundary in nature,” he said.

Jack said the large number of hotspots in Kalimantan, together with winds during the Southwest Monsoon carrying smoke towards Sarawak, supported that assessment.

According to NREB’s 3:00 pm update, Kanowit recorded an API of 212, placing it in the very unhealthy category.

Serian and Lubok Antu each recorded 192, followed by Kuching at 182 and Samarahan at 178, all in the unhealthy category.

Of the 21 stations listed by NREB, 19 recorded unhealthy readings, while Bario was the only station in the moderate category at 80.

Jack said the Southwest Monsoon was expected to continue until the end of September.

“The situation will continue to be monitored closely based on hotspot activity, meteorological conditions, smoke movement and air quality observations across Sarawak,” he said.