Malaysia: 137 hotspots detected in Kalimantan, S'wak braces for worsening haze

MUHD AMIRUL FAIZ AHMAD New Straits Times 24 Aug 18;

KUCHING: Sarawak is bracing for worsening haze following the discovery of 137 hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, yesterday, caused by open burning, compared with 13 hotspots recorded on Aug 20.

The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said the 124 new hotspots were detected in the West, Middle and Southern of Kalimantan within a four-day period.

Although the Air Pollution Index (API) in 12 main areas in the state had yet to reach the unhealthy reading, the risk of cross-border haze would persist should the number of hotspots remained.

There was about 100 hotspots detected in West Kalimantan alone, posing risk to a cross-border haze especially in Kuching and its surrounding.

Checks revealed that API in nine main areas in the state recorded a moderate reading as of noon.

API in Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and ILP Miri recorded readings between 51 and 74.

Meanwhile Limbang, Samalaju, and Kapit, recorded healthy readings of between 31 and 41.