KUCHING: The haze affecting Sarawak is predominantly transboundary, driven by smoke from hotspots in Kalimantan carried into the state by prevailing winds.
Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Controller of Environmental Quality Datuk Jack Liam said the latest assessment was based on hotspot distribution and wind patterns.
“The current haze episode affecting Sarawak is assessed to be predominantly transboundary in nature.
“This assessment is supported by the continued presence of a significant number of hotspots in Kalimantan and the prevailing winds during the Southwest Monsoon, which have been carrying smoke and haze from Kalimantan towards Sarawak,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted yesterday (Sept 19).
From Jan 1 to Sept 18, Kalimantan recorded 22,682 hotspots, nearly 62 times the 366 detected in Sarawak over the same period.
Of the hotspots in Kalimantan, 13,473 were detected in August while another 6,834 were recorded between Sept 1 and 18.
The Department of Environment, citing an ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre report, said 1,143 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on Friday, while none were recorded in Malaysia.
Moderate to dense smoke plumes from Kalimantan were also observed moving towards western Sarawak and the southern Philippines.
Meanwhile, NREB data as of 3 pm showed unhealthy air quality at 11 monitoring stations across Sarawak, with Lubok Antu recording the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 180.
Serian recorded an API of 177, followed by Kanowit at 175, Lundu at 172, Kuching at 170, Sri Aman at 168, Betong at 167, Samarahan at 163, Sibu at 157, Sarikei at 152 and Tebedu at 145.
Eight other stations recorded moderate readings, while no latest data was available for Mukah.
Jack said the Southwest Monsoon was expected to continue until the end of September.
“The situation will continue to be monitored closely based on hotspot activity, meteorological conditions, smoke movement and air quality observations across Sarawak,” he said.
