Multiple areas in Sarawak, including Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, Sibu, Bintulu, and Samalaju, recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings ranging from 150 to 241 between August 12 and August 21, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The highest reading was 241 in Serian on August 21, marking very unhealthy conditions [6]. Meanwhile, Johan Setia in Selangor consistently registered unhealthy API levels from 150 to 160 from August 12 to 18 [1, 4, 7, 8, 9].
As a precaution, 108 schools in Serian were closed starting August 12 after API readings surpassed 200 [2]. On August 20, schools in several Sarawak districts including Kuching, Padawan, Serian, Samarahan, Bau, Lundu, Sri Aman, and Lubok Antu were ordered to close for two days due to haze and unhealthy air quality [10]. The Sarawak State Education Department said the closures aimed to "protect the safety, health and welfare of students and school staff, particularly from the risk of exposure to unhealthy air" [10].
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said schools nationwide with API above 200 may close at principals' discretion based on advice from education authorities [11]. He added, "If API readings exceed 100, schools must suspend outdoor activities and gatherings. Outdoor sports events should also be postponed." [11] The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee confirmed, "Under the National Haze Action Plan ... schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately once the API reaches 200." [2]
The Health Ministry is stepping up haze-related illness surveillance and preparing health facilities in Sarawak and Selangor to deal with potential impacts [1]. The public is advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear masks when outside, keep windows and doors closed, and pay special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses [1, 2]. Authorities also discouraged open burning to avoid worsening air quality, which is driven by transboundary haze [1].
Malaysia operates 68 air quality monitoring stations that provide hourly API readings on a scale from good (0-50) to hazardous (above 300) [3, 4, 7, 9, 5, 6]. The widespread unhealthy readings have been tracked closely at multiple stations across Sarawak and parts of Selangor.
The temporary school closures and health advisories remain in place as air quality continues to be monitored. Schools in affected Sarawak districts will stay closed through August 21, with decisions on reopening reliant on air quality improvements [10].
