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Hazardous haze grips Sarawak as mask supplies run low

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Photo courtesy of Malay Mail

Air quality across Sarawak has worsened sharply as smoke from Indonesian forest and land fires drifts over the state, pushing pollution to hazardous levels, closing schools and increasing demand for protective masks.

Kuching records hazardous pollution

Six districts recorded hazardous Air Pollutant Index readings, including the state capital Kuching, where the API reached 407. Malaysia classifies readings above 300 as hazardous, while levels exceeding 500 can trigger consideration of a local emergency.

Schools in Kuching closed two weeks ago, and residents are reporting difficulty finding respirators capable of filtering the fine particles carried by haze.

Local resident Ivana Mason said five pharmacies she visited had sold out of suitable respirators, leaving only standard medical masks that are less effective against fine pollution particles. She reported a sore throat, aggravated asthma, repeated sneezing and watery eyes, and said she had reduced outdoor trips and stopped visiting her usual non-air-conditioned gym.

Health complaints and mask demand rise

Pharmacist Dawi Bakri said all types of masks were selling more quickly than usual, making it difficult to maintain stocks as conditions deteriorated.

Md Khairulanwar Asri, an occupational therapist at Sarawak Heart Centre, warned that poor air quality could particularly affect people with existing heart or respiratory conditions, as well as elderly patients with multiple illnesses.

Possible symptoms include coughing, throat and eye irritation, and shortness of breath. These effects can also reduce endurance and make ordinary daily activities more difficult, especially tasks involving physical exertion.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry has reported an increase in asthma and conjunctivitis cases nationwide as air quality worsens.

Cloud seeding under consideration

Sarawak has been among the areas worst affected by the latest haze episode. State authorities said cloud-seeding operations could begin as early as Thursday if weather conditions permit.

The episode has again highlighted the cross-border impact of forest and land fires in the region. Until conditions improve, health advice generally focuses on reducing outdoor exposure, keeping windows closed where practical and using an appropriate respirator when time outside cannot be avoided.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents and visitors in Sarawak should monitor official API readings and reduce strenuous outdoor activity during unhealthy or hazardous conditions. People with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory risks should keep medication available and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. A properly fitted particulate respirator offers better haze protection than a standard surgical mask.

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2 September 2026

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