# Malaysian Borneo Town Declares Haze Emergency Due to Indonesian Fires

*Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak, due to hazardous air quality from Indonesian fires.*

September 6, 2026 · World

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency in Serian, a district in Sarawak on Borneo island, due to severe air pollution caused by transboundary haze from raging fires in Indonesia. The air pollution index (API) readings reached critical levels, prompting the emergency declaration on Friday. The toxic haze has blanketed parts of Indonesia and Malaysia for weeks, with plumes drifting into neighboring countries including Singapore and Brunei.

In Serian, approximately 65 kilometers southeast of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, residents have struggled to cope with the thick haze. Many have reported health issues, including shortness of breath and sore throats, and have been forced to limit their outdoor activities. Ajen Anak Kunok, a 64-year-old retired technician, shared his experience, stating, "I rarely leave the house when it's like this (the haze). I only come out to buy food and groceries, then I'll immediately head home."

Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, such as using air conditioners, the smoke has permeated homes, making it difficult for residents to escape the haze. Serian, located just 10 kilometers from Indonesia's Kalimantan province where the fires are raging, has borne the brunt of the pollution in Malaysia. On Friday, Serian became the first district in the country this year to declare an emergency after API levels surpassed 500, peaking at 512.

Under Malaysian guidelines, API levels above 300 are classified as hazardous, and readings beyond 500 typically trigger consideration of a local emergency. The emergency declaration has led to the closure of 647 schools in Serian district, affecting around 154,000 residents. Roadside sellers and local businesses have also felt the impact, with significantly reduced customer turnout. Siaw Thien Ha, a 53-year-old durian seller, noted, "I'm worried that my income will be affected... But during the durian season, there is money to be made. So I don't have a choice but to bring the durians here to sell to support my family."

Rainfall on Friday night and Saturday morning, believed to be the result of ongoing cloud seeding operations, provided some relief as API levels dropped to 219. However, the state of emergency remained in place. Sister Irmina Peter, a 64-year-old teacher at St Joseph's Private Primary School in Kuching, expressed concern about the potential prolonged impact, saying, "We don't want the schools to be like during Covid-19 lockdown, where we couldn't do much. We can't go on with our normal routine... we have to go to work, children have to go to school. It affects us very much."

The situation underscores the broader regional impact of transboundary haze, a recurring issue in Southeast Asia. The haze not only affects air quality and public health but also disrupts daily life and economic activities. For Bangladeshi readers, this crisis highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing environmental challenges and the need for preparedness in managing similar situations.

## Sources

- BSS

---
Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/haze-emergency-grips-malaysian-borneo-town