KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian federal government announced on Monday that the emergency declared for the Serian district in Sarawak state has been lifted. Air‑pollution readings dropped below the hazardous threshold, prompting the King, Sultan Ibrahim, to give his consent to end the emergency based on advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, and relevant agencies.
Air‑pollution numbers show improvement
During the emergency, the Air Pollution Index (API) in Serian peaked at 519, well above the 300 level that Malaysia classifies as hazardous and the 500 level that triggers an emergency. By Monday the API had fallen to 222, according to data released by the Environment Department. While this marks a clear improvement, the reading is still considered “very unhealthy” and far from the safe range of below 100.
Health officials urge continued caution
The Prime Minister’s Office cautioned that the haze situation is not fully resolved. Several districts, including Serian and neighboring Samarahan, continue to record API levels that pose health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed when possible, and follow any further instructions from local authorities.
Impact on schools and daily life
Earlier this week, the haze forced the temporary closure of schools in parts of Sarawak, disrupting learning for thousands of students. With the emergency lifted, schools are expected to reopen, but teachers and parents are reminded to monitor local air‑quality reports and adjust plans if conditions deteriorate.
Regional context
The haze originated from forest‑fire activity in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region, a recurring problem that has periodically affected neighboring Malaysian states. Malaysian officials continue to work with Indonesian counterparts to address the root causes of the fires, emphasizing the need for sustainable land‑use practices and stronger enforcement of anti‑burning regulations.
Government monitoring continues
Both the federal and Sarawak state governments have pledged to keep a close watch on air‑quality trends. The Ministry of Environment and the Sarawak State Environment Department will release regular updates, and the public can access real‑time API data through the official Malaysia Air Quality website.
While the lifting of the emergency is a welcome sign of progress, the ongoing health advisory underscores that the battle against haze is far from over. Communities in Serian and surrounding districts are encouraged to stay informed, protect vulnerable family members, and support regional efforts to prevent future fire‑related pollution.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
