Environment news in Jalan Satok Kuching Sarawak
-
Haze improves in Sarawak as hazardous API readings fall
Haze conditions in Sarawak are improving, with the number of monitoring stations recording hazardous API readings falling from six to two as of 9am. Kuching and Serian remain hazardous, while several other areas in Sarawak and other states like Selangor and Sabah have seen air quality deteriorate to unhealthy levels.
-
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.
-
Agricultural activity believed to be cause of forest fire on Pulau Bruit
A forest fire believed to be caused by agricultural activities has destroyed about 7.5 hectares near Kampung Kut, Pulau Bruit, Daro. Firefighters have extinguished about three hectares and are working to control the remaining 4.5 hectares, facing challenges from hot weather and limited water supply.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Kuching Esplanade quiet due to haze, traders remain loyal waiting for customers
Haze in Kuching has emptied the Esplanade Tebingan Kuching, with traders reporting a sharp drop in customers and income. The article also notes a rise in upper respiratory tract infections in Sarawak linked to the poor air quality.
-
Simunjan peatland fire: Two hectares extinguished, 1.5 ha still burning
Firefighters in Simunjan, Sarawak, have extinguished two hectares of a peatland fire at Kampung Lubok Punggor, with 1.5 hectares still burning on the third day. The fire, which started on August 31, has affected 3.5 hectares and is being fought with limited water sources.