Malaysia Declares Emergency in Sarawak as Haze From Indonesia Worsens

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency in the Serian district of Sarawak as smoke haze originating from Indonesia intensified, Al Jazeera reported on September 5, 2026.

According to the report, air pollution in the affected area reached levels classified as "hazardous," prompting the government to implement the emergency measure.

Al Jazeera's report did not provide further details on the specific pollutant index readings, the duration of the emergency declaration, or additional measures being taken in response to the deteriorating air quality.

Haze caused by seasonal land and forest fires in Indonesia has periodically affected neighboring Malaysia in past years, though this report did not specify the source or cause of the current fires.