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The haze appears to be making a return to Malaysia, with 10 areas across Sarawak and Selangor recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings today, 10 August
According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), nine areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy readings as of today.
The affected areas are Samarahan (165), Kuching (163), Mukah (157), Sibu (156), Samalaju (152), Bintulu (152), Sarikei (152), and Sri Aman (152).
Serian recorded the highest API reading in the state at 183.
Meanwhile, Johan Setia in Selangor was the only area in Peninsular Malaysia to record an unhealthy reading, with an API of 152.
Malaysia's API categorises readings between 101 and 200 as "unhealthy". Readings between 201 and 300 are classified as "very unhealthy", while readings above 300 are considered "hazardous".
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has warned that current hot and dry conditions could worsen the haze
In a significant weather forecast issued yesterday, 9 August, METMalaysia said hot and relatively dry conditions are expected across most parts of Borneo, including Sarawak, until 14 August.
It said southerly winds, combined with a high number of hotspots in neighbouring countries, could potentially cause transboundary haze and reduce visibility, particularly in southern Sarawak.
The warning comes as several wildfires have been reported across Indonesia amid an unusually dry season
In East Java, a fire at Mount Bromo National Park burnt about 550 hectares over the weekend. While the fire has been extinguished, new fires covering approximately 20 hectares have been detected around the volcano's caldera.
According to SCMP, fires were also reported in Banyumas, Central Java, and Mount Gede Pangrango National Park in West Java, where hiking trails have been temporarily closed.
