DistantNews
Support us
Saudi General Directorate of Passports Showcases Contactless E-Gate at LEAP 2026
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Environment & Climate

Saudi General Directorate of Passports Showcases Contactless E-Gate at LEAP 2026

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Smoke from Indonesian forest fires pushed air pollution in six districts of Malaysia’s Sarawak state into the hazardous range, with Kuching recording an API reading of 407.
  • Residents reported shortages of haze-rated respirators, while health workers warned that polluted air could worsen respiratory and heart conditions.
  • Authorities said cloud-seeding operations could begin as early as Thursday if weather conditions allow.

Smoke from Indonesian forest fires has pushed air quality in Malaysia’s Sarawak state further into hazardous territory, driving up respiratory complaints and sending residents in search of protective masks.

Six districts on Borneo recorded hazardous Air Pollutant Index readings. Kuching, the state capital, reached 407. National guidelines classify readings above 300 as hazardous, while levels above 500 could lead authorities to consider a local emergency.

The only ones available were standard medical masks, which aren't effective at protecting against fine haze particles.

— Ivana MasonA Sarawak resident described the shortage of respirators in pharmacies.

Schools in Kuching closed two weeks ago, and supplies of masks designed for haze conditions have dwindled. Ivana Mason, 37, said five pharmacies had run out of respirators that filter fine particles. The standard medical masks still available, she said, do not offer effective protection against the haze.

I've been sneezing non-stop, and my eyes are constantly watery.

— Ivana MasonMason described the health effects she experienced as the haze worsened.

Mason said the worsening air had caused a sore throat, aggravated her asthma, and left her sneezing continuously with watery eyes. She has stopped visiting her usual non-air-conditioned gym and now limits time outdoors, saying she can taste smoke when she goes outside.

Pharmacist Dawi Bakri said all types of masks were selling faster than usual, making stocks difficult to maintain. Occupational therapist Md Khairulanwar Asri warned that poor air could affect people with existing heart or respiratory conditions and older patients with multiple illnesses. Symptoms can include coughing, throat and eye irritation, shortness of breath, and reduced endurance during everyday physical activity.

If I do, I can literally taste the smoke in my mouth.

— Ivana MasonShe explained why she has limited trips outside during the haze.

Sarawak remains among the areas worst affected by the latest haze episode. Malaysia’s Health Ministry has reported rising asthma and conjunctivitis cases nationwide. Sarawak authorities said they could begin cloud-seeding operations as early as Thursday if weather conditions permit.

People exposed to poor air quality could experience coughing, throat and eye irritation, and shortness of breath.

— Md Khairulanwar AsriThe occupational therapist warned about the health effects of polluted air.
About this summary

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog