Natural Disasters news in Istana Negara Kuala Lumpur
-
Sarawak declares emergency as haze from Kalimantan fires worsens
Sarawak has declared a state of emergency as the Air Pollutant Index in Kuching reached hazardous levels, caused by forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The haze has spread across the region, affecting other Asean countries, and leaders are calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat the annual crisis.
-
MBKS plans new drains to curb flash floods in Kuching city centre
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is stepping up efforts to address recurring flash floods in Kuching city centre, particularly along Jalan Padungan, Jalan Chan Chin Ann and Jalan Abell. Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the proposed mitigation works include building about 200 metres of additional reinforced concrete box drain to improve drainage capacity. The project will proceed to tender once plans are finalised.
-
Dogs stay indoors as hazardous haze puts walks on hold
Hazardous haze in Kuching, Sarawak, has forced pet owners to keep their dogs indoors, replacing daily walks with indoor games and short bathroom breaks. The Air Pollutant Index reached 311, a hazardous level, prompting owners to monitor air quality and limit outdoor activities to protect their pets' health.
-
Hazardous air quality stations in Sarawak down to three at 4pm after Kanowit exits category
As of 4pm on Sept 3, three air quality monitoring stations in Sarawak—Kuching, IPD Serian, and Lubok Antu—recorded hazardous API readings, down from four after Kanowit improved. Lubok Antu had the highest API at 358, while many other stations across the state remained in the very unhealthy or unhealthy categories.
- You saw it first Something happening near you? Post it. Road closed, night market moved, burst pipe, lost pet — share it nearby. Post something nearby →
-
Malaysia Day celebrations to be held indoors in Kuching amid haze
Malaysia Day celebrations on Sept 16 will be held indoors at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) due to worsening haze conditions in Sarawak. Three areas in Sarawak, including Kuching, recorded hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, and cloud seeding operations are subject to MetMalaysia's recommendations.
-
Sarawak haze eases as hazardous API readings drop to two stations
Haze conditions in Sarawak are improving, with the number of monitoring stations recording hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings falling to two as of 9am. Kuching and Serian remain hazardous, while several other areas in the state have moved into the 'very unhealthy' category. Air quality in some areas outside Sarawak, including Selangor and Sabah, has deteriorated.
-
Malaysia Day celebration remains at BCCK, outdoor events cancelled due to haze - Fahmi
The Malaysia Day 2026 celebration on 16 September will proceed at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak, but outdoor events have been cancelled due to worrying haze conditions in Kuching and Serian. The decision was announced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil after a Cabinet meeting.
-
Indonesian fires prompt haze alerts, disrupt palm harvests
Acrid haze from Indonesian forest fires is blanketing parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysian Borneo, disrupting palm harvests and prompting health warnings. Sarawak state is preparing to close offices and conduct cloud seeding, while Kuching has recorded the world's worst air quality for several days.
-
MBKS orders redesign after smart pole displays inaccurate air quality message
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has instructed its smart pole provider to redesign the dashboard after a viral photo showed an inaccurate advisory message encouraging outdoor activities during hazardous air quality. Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained the message was due to a programming limitation for API readings above 450 and confirmed corrective action is being taken.
-
Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires chokes Malaysian Borneo
Smoke from fires in Kalimantan has pushed air quality in Sarawak to hazardous levels, causing a surge in respiratory illness and forcing the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations.