Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak town as haze reaches critical level
Summary
Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, a town in Sarawak state, due to very high air pollution caused by smoke from forest fires in Indonesia. The air quality index in Serian reached a dangerous level, prompting special measures to protect health, while nearby Kuching also faced hazardous air pollution. Indonesian authorities are working to control the fires and have arrested people suspected of starting them.Key Facts
- Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak state, because air pollution levels went above 500 on the Air Pollutant Index.
- Serian has about 90,000 people and is near the border with Indonesia's Kalimantan province.
- Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, recorded hazardous air pollution at an index of 311.
- The Malaysian King approved the emergency, allowing stronger action like stopping nonessential outdoor work and activities.
- Schools in areas with an air pollution index above 200 are already closed.
- The haze comes from forest and peat fires in Indonesia, worsened by dry weather and El Nino, a climate pattern that causes less rain.
- Indonesia has detected over 700 fire hotspots since August 1, with over 100 still active in the last 24 hours.
- Indonesian police arrested 112 people for starting fires, mostly local farmers burning land to clear it cheaply, and suspended licenses of five companies linked to the fires.
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