KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is closely monitoring the haze that has affected several areas in the state following the Air Pollution Index (API) reading above 100, particularly in the southern region of Sarawak.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said that the current haze is believed to have originated from West Kalimantan before being carried by wind to Sarawak with API readings in several areas such as Kuching, Samarahan, Tebedu, Sibu and Sri Aman indicating unhealthy conditions.

In this regard, he advised the public to be cautious and reduce outdoor activities due to unhealthy air quality conditions.

"That is why we advise those who carry out activities outdoors to be cautious because we are currently experiencing unhealthy air conditions.

"We also recommend that students in particular, cease outdoor activities," he said when met by reporters after the Sarawak Integrity Day Celebration 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), on Wednesday.

Commenting on the possible implementation of cloud seeding, Datuk Len said that the measure has not been planned for now as the development of weather conditions and API readings throughout this week is still being assessed.

According to him, based on the weather forecast, there is a possibility of rain in the next two to three days, around Friday or Saturday, which is expected to help ease the haze.

Therefore, he said his party would continue to monitor API readings hourly but no decisions have been made to implement cloud seeding if the hot weather persisted until Sunday.

When asked about the criteria to allow cloud seeding to be implemented, Datuk Len stated that it is only implemented when the API reading is at a dangerous level.

He recommended that the relevant authorities make appropriate preparations and expressed hope that the situation does not reach that level.

"In Pontianak, the reading has reached the API reading of 300, but personally, I don't think it will reach that level so far," he said. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Nerissa Sia