Malaysia Declares Emergency Over Toxic Haze From Fires

Malaysia has declared an emergency in the Serian district of Sarawak after smoke from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia turned the air toxic. The decision applies only to part of the district, but authorities have warned residents to take extensive precautions.

The air pollution index in Serian rose above 500 on Friday. Malaysia considers readings above 300 dangerous. Only essential services will operate, and nearly 650 schools in the region will close from Monday for at least one week.

“

The declaration of an emergency in the entire Serian district, in Sarawak, is due to haze conditions that have reached a level of air pollution dangerous to public health and safety.

The haze has spread from fires in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province across Malaysia and as far as the Philippines. Borneo, divided among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, has endured devastating fires for weeks. Officials said the dry season and an El Niño episode have helped the fires spread, while analysts also linked them to deforestation and slash-and-burn clearing for plantations.

“

More favorable cloud formations are expected during this period.

Malaysia began cloud seeding on Thursday to increase rainfall and reduce pollutants, with the operation planned to continue until Monday. Sarawak’s Disaster Management Committee said more favorable cloud formations were expected during that period. Emergency services have also distributed drinking water, while many residents have started wearing masks.

Douglas Uggah Embas, chairman of Sarawak’s Disaster Management Committee, urged people to stay indoors as much as possible. “Please minimize outdoor activities and avoid strenuous physical exertion outdoors,” he said. Around 300,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year, according to experts, who fear conditions could worsen.

“

Please minimize outdoor activities and avoid strenuous physical exertion outdoors.