Sarawak and Selangor face worsening air quality as dry conditions intensify regional fires.
Haze has returned to parts of Malaysia as wildfires intensify across Indonesia during an unusually dry season, pushing air pollution to unhealthy levels and renewing concerns over a recurring environmental problem that crosses national borders.
Unhealthy Air Returns to Malaysia
Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality across several locations as haze spread over the country. As of August 10, nine monitoring areas in Sarawak and Johan Setia in Selangor were in the unhealthy category, according to Malaysia’s Air Pollutant Index Management System.
Sarawak Among the Hardest Hit
Parts of Sarawak have experienced particularly poor conditions. On August 10, Serian recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 180, while Samarahan reached 163 and Kuching 162. Other affected locations included Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Samalaju.
Indonesian Fires Add to Haze Concerns
The deterioration comes as major wildfires burn across parts of Indonesia. In East Java, a wildfire at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park scorched hundreds of hectares, while fires elsewhere across the archipelago have intensified amid prolonged dry weather. Malaysian experts have linked the worsening haze partly to smoke from fires in Indonesia, alongside local and regional weather conditions.
Dry Weather and El Nino Increase Risk
Experts warn that dry conditions and an intensifying El Nino could worsen the situation in the coming weeks. Extended periods without substantial rainfall make vegetation more vulnerable to fire and can allow existing blazes to spread rapidly, while prevailing winds can transport smoke across international borders.
Residents Urged to Reduce Exposure
Malaysians in affected areas have been advised to take precautions as air quality deteriorates, particularly people vulnerable to respiratory problems. Authorities continue monitoring API readings while haze conditions remain dependent on fire activity, rainfall, and changing wind patterns.
The return of haze to Malaysia demonstrates how Indonesia’s wildfire crisis can rapidly develop into a regional environmental and public health challenge. For Indonesians, controlling fires and preventing land burning are critical to protecting communities and ecosystems. For Malaysians and Singaporeans, deteriorating air quality reinforces the need for stronger regional cooperation, early intervention, and long-term measures against transboundary haze.
Sources: Asia News Network (2026) , SCMP (2026)
Keywords: Malaysia Haze, Indonesia Wildfires, Transboundary Haze, Sarawak Air Quality, Selangor Haze, El Nino
