Malaysia has declared an emergency in Sarawak due to worsening haze from Indonesia, according to Al Jazeera, the air quality in the region has deteriorated significantly, with several areas in Sarawak recording unhealthy readings. The haze, which originates from fires in Indonesia, has also affected Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines, In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of classes in Metro Manila and over a dozen provinces on Friday.

Health Advisories and Illnesses Rise

According to says.com, the Air Pollution Index (API) in Malaysia has entered the unhealthy range, with seven areas recording unhealthy readings as of 8 a.m. on Sunday. In Sarawak, five of these areas were affected, the Kedah Health Department has issued advisories for residents in Sungai Petani and Alor Setar, urging them to limit outdoor activities. Sungai Petani recorded an API reading of 149 as of 10 a.m., while Alor Setar recorded a moderate reading of 94.

Health authorities have advised high-risk groups,children, the elderly, and those with heart or respiratory conditions,to exercise caution when API levels reach unhealthy levels; the Health Ministry reported 90 cases of heat-related illnesses, including 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 cases of heatstroke, and five cases of heat cramps.

Regional Impact and Government Responses

Singapore announced it would begin providing daily haze advisories after the 24-hour air quality readings entered the unhealthy range, the first such advisory since 2023, according to Al Jazeera. The Indonesian government, through its ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Datuk Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, stated it is monitoring the situation and taking measures to prevent, detect, control, and extinguish fires, particularly in fire-prone areas.

Scientists warn that temperatures are expected to peak this month, potentially intensifying the fires by bringing hotter and drier conditions across the region. The Indonesian government’s efforts to contain forest and land fires in Kalimantan are part of a wider regional challenge to manage the seasonal wildfire crisis in the archipelago.

Public Health Measures and Recommendations

Health authorities in Malaysia have recommended that the public reduce strenuous outdoor activities and use suitable respiratory protection when necessary — they also advised drinking sufficient water, avoiding smoking and smoky environments, and checking the latest API readings before planning outdoor activities.

API readings are categorized as follows: 0,50 is good, 51,100 is moderate, 101,200 is unhealthy, 201,300 is very unhealthy, and above 300 is hazardous, while As the haze continues to spread, public health officials remain vigilant and are urging residents to take precautions to minimize exposure and health risks.