Dry spell raises haze, fire risks nationwide
PETALING JAYA: Prolonged dry weather across southern Asean is threatening Malaysia with lingering haze and fire risks. Sarawak continues to be the hardest hit, with nine monitoring stations recording unhealthy air…
Source: The Star Malaysia · August 13, 2026 at 12:03 AM · AI-assisted report
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PUTRAJAYA, 13 AUGUST 2026 —
KUALA LUMPUR — Prolonged dry weather across southern Asean is escalating haze and fire risks in Malaysia, with Sarawak bearing the brunt of deteriorating air quality.
Market Impact
Nine monitoring stations in the state recorded unhealthy air quality levels yesterday, while one station in Serian breached the “very unhealthy” threshold with a 204 Air Pollutant Index (API) reading.
According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System, API readings between 201 and 300 are classified as “very unhealthy,” while levels between 101 and 200 are deemed “unhealthy.” Other areas in Sarawak with unhealthy air quality included Samarahan (177), Kuching (177), Sarikei (161), Sri Aman (158), Bintulu (154), Miri (152), Sibu (135) and Samalaju (120) as of 3pm yesterday.
In Peninsular Malaysia, Cheras, Putrajaya and Shah Alam recorded unhealthy API readings of 122, 121 and 112, respectively.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry attributed the dry conditions to the concurrent El Nino phenomenon and the southwest monsoon, which have reduced rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Sarawak. “Both lower rainfall and higher temperatures raise the risk of water shortages, forest and peatland fires, and haze in areas experiencing prolonged dry spells,” the ministry stated.
The ministry also cited transboundary haze and a landfill fire under the Sibu Municipal Council’s purview as contributing factors to Sarawak’s deteriorating air quality. Forest and bushfires in Sri Aman have spread across approximately 100 hectares.
At the Asean level, a Level 2 warning was activated on August 3, requiring Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste to submit daily reports and emergency response plans for burning and haze incidents, along with corrective measures taken.
The public has been advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks and stay hydrated, while open burning remains strictly prohibited. The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported dry conditions yesterday morning, with isolated hotspots detected in central and southern Sumatra, as well as southern and eastern Kalimantan. Moderate smoke plumes were observed in west and central Kalimantan, with slight plumes in southern Sumatra.
A few hotspots were also detected in Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Sarawak and Sulawesi.
Malaysia Market Impact The haze crisis poses risks to public health and economic activities, particularly in sectors sensitive to air quality, such as tourism and agriculture. Unhealthy air quality levels may deter travel and outdoor events, while prolonged dry conditions could disrupt water-dependent industries. Businesses in Sarawak and affected regions may face operational challenges due to reduced visibility and health advisories.
Outlook The ministry has warned that dry conditions are expected to persist across most parts of southern Asean, increasing the likelihood of further hotspot development and transboundary haze. The concurrent El Nino and southwest monsoon conditions are likely to sustain lower rainfall and higher temperatures, exacerbating fire and haze risks in the coming weeks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and enforce measures to mitigate the impact on public health and the environment.
Related: Putrajaya