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Sarawak Haze Worsens: 13 Areas Record Unhealthy Air Quality
Sarawak's air quality turned unhealthy across 13 monitoring areas on Wednesday, with Serian recording the highest API reading at 189. Here is what residents need to know today.
The short answer
Sarawak’s air quality has turned unhealthy in 13 monitoring areas as of noon on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Serian recorded the highest API reading at 189, followed by Samarahan and Tebedu at 169, and Kuching at 165. Residents should check the latest API reading before doing heavy outdoor activities, especially if they have asthma, heart or lung conditions.
The figures come from the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak’s Daily Haze Watch bulletin. The bulletin lists 13 stations in the unhealthy range and five stations in the moderate range. Read the official Sarawak API bulletin.
Which parts of Sarawak are affected
The unhealthy readings recorded at noon were:
| Monitoring area | API reading | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Serian | 189 | Unhealthy |
| Samarahan | 169 | Unhealthy |
| Tebedu | 169 | Unhealthy |
| Kuching | 165 | Unhealthy |
| Bintulu | 159 | Unhealthy |
| Samalaju | 155 | Unhealthy |
| Sri Aman | 154 | Unhealthy |
| Sibu | 154 | Unhealthy |
| Mukah | 154 | Unhealthy |
| Sarikei | 153 | Unhealthy |
| Miri | 144 | Unhealthy |
| ILP Miri | 118 | Unhealthy |
| Lundu | 107 | Unhealthy |
Kapit, Limbang, Lubok Antu, Lawas and Bario were recorded in the moderate range.
What does “unhealthy” mean
In Malaysia’s Air Pollutant Index, a reading from 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy. The Sarawak bulletin says this level can worsen the health condition of people with heart and lung complications. The Department of Environment also provides official API information and haze guidance for the public. Check the DOE Malaysia API guidance and DOE haze information.
So, if the sky is looking blur and the air smells smoky, do not simply tahan and continue with a hard outdoor workout. Check the reading first. The number can change as wind, rain and local fire conditions change.
What residents can do today
- Check the latest API reading on APIMS before outdoor exercise or sports.
- Reduce strenuous outdoor activity when the air feels smoky or the API is unhealthy.
- Keep children, older people and people with respiratory or heart conditions away from prolonged outdoor exposure when possible.
- Follow updates from the Department of Environment, Sarawak authorities and local schools or employers.
- Do not start open burning. A small fire can become a much bigger problem in hot and dry weather.
These are general public-safety steps, not a substitute for medical advice. Anyone who feels unwell or has breathing difficulty should seek professional medical help.
Why this matters beyond Sarawak
The haze is happening during a wider regional fire season. The Associated Press reported on 10 August that Indonesia was battling large forest and peat fires, while unhealthy air quality had also been reported in parts of Sarawak. The same report said August and September are expected to be critical months for fire spread in Indonesia because of dry vegetation and strong winds. Read the Associated Press regional report.
For Malaysia, this means haze is not only an environment story. It can also affect health, school activities, outdoor events, visibility, travel and daily work. This is why following the actual API reading is more useful than forwarding a scary message in WhatsApp group.
What happens next
The important thing now is to watch whether the unhealthy readings spread, improve after rain or remain high through the day. Life in Malaysia will continue checking official updates and will update this story when fresh readings or public advisories are issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sarawak’s air quality unhealthy today
Yes. At noon on 12 August 2026, 13 Sarawak monitoring stations recorded API readings between 107 and 189, which falls in Malaysia’s unhealthy category.
Which place recorded the highest API reading
Serian recorded the highest reading in the Sarawak noon bulletin, at API 189.
Is Kuching affected by the haze
Yes. Kuching recorded an API reading of 165 at noon, classified as unhealthy.
Where can I check the latest Malaysia haze reading
Check the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System at apims.doe.gov.my and the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board’s Daily Haze Watch.
Should I still go outside
That depends on the latest local reading and your health condition. When the API is unhealthy, reduce strenuous outdoor activity and take extra care if you have asthma, heart or lung conditions. Follow official health and environment advisories.
Sources
- Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak — Daily Haze Watch, 12 August 2026
- Department of Environment Malaysia — Air Pollutant Index
- Department of Environment Malaysia — Haze in Malaysia
- Associated Press — Indonesia battles growing wildfires as Mount Bromo blaze spreads
This article is based on official API data available at 12:00 PM MYT on 12 August 2026. Readings can change. Please check the latest official bulletin before making health, travel or event decisions.
