Sarawak faces worst haze since 2019 as Indonesian fires choke the state

Sarawak, a Malaysian state on Borneo, is experiencing its worst haze since 2019 due to forest fires in Indonesia, prompting a state of emergency in the Serian district after air quality readings exceeded 500. The hazardous air has forced school closures affecting 647 institutions, disrupted flights and events, and caused a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses at clinics. Residents report confusion over emergency restrictions, while businesses see reduced customers as people stay indoors. Meteorological officials say the haze could persist for at least another week due to dry season winds. The last major haze emergency in Sarawak was declared in 1997.