Jerebu forces Serian to record unhealthy air quality levels this morning

SERIAN, SARAWAK, 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Serian records Malaysia’s sole ‘unhealthy’ air quality reading amid haze, with 63 areas at moderate levels

Serian in Sarawak is the only area in Malaysia with an Air Pollution Index (API) in the "unhealthy" range this morning, recording a reading of 155, according to the latest data from the Malaysian Air Pollution Management System (APIMS). The rest of the country’s monitored areas remain at either "moderate" or "good" levels, with 63 locations—including urban centers and rural districts—logging API readings between 51 and 100.

The Department of Environment (Jabatan Alam Sekitar, JAS) classifies API readings of 101 to 200 as "unhealthy," triggering advisories for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities. The Serian district office monitoring station is the sole location exceeding this threshold, while the remaining stations—spanning Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and other parts of Sarawak—have not crossed the moderate level of 100.

JAS has reiterated its recommendation for the public to check real-time API updates via the official APIMS portal, which provides hourly readings and forecasts. The system, managed by JAS, categorizes air quality based on particulate matter (PM) concentrations, with readings above 200 classified as "very unhealthy" or "hazardous"—a threshold not reached in any Malaysian area today.

The haze situation in Serian follows a pattern of localized pollution spikes in Sarawak, often linked to agricultural burning, transboundary smoke from Indonesia, or seasonal dry conditions. While the current reading does not pose an immediate public health emergency, JAS has previously warned that prolonged exposure to API levels above 100 can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular issues, particularly among sensitive populations.

For now, authorities have not issued any special advisories beyond the standard precautions, but residents in Serian are urged to stay informed through official channels. The next API update, expected later today, will determine whether the situation worsens or improves, with no immediate indication of large-scale intervention required.

Related: Department of Environment (Jabatan Alam Sekitar, JAS)