Based on the Air Pollutant Index management system, the areas recording “unhealthy” API readings were Kuching (153), Samarahan (156), Serian (170), Bintulu (156) and Samalaju (151).

Yesterday, Sarawak deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas said transboundary haze was expected to affect 19 areas in Sarawak over the next few days, with current wind patterns carrying smoke from hotspots in neighbouring regions into the state.

Uggah, who is also state disaster management committee chairman, said the areas identified were Betong, Bintulu, Daro, Julau, Kanowit, Kuching, Lundu, Marudi, Miri, Mukah, Pakan, Samarahan, Saratok, Serian, Sibu, Simunjan, Song, Sri Aman and Tatau.

Yesterday, it was reported that Indonesia was stepping up efforts to contain forest and land fires in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, where ground teams and helicopters are being deployed to tackle fires on peatland that can continue producing smoke even after surface flames have been extinguished.

National Disaster Management Agency chief Suharyanto said peatland fires were particularly difficult to extinguish as embers could remain beneath the surface even after flames above ground had been put out.

He said rainfall remained the most effective way to extinguish peatland fires, although there was currently little prospect of suitable rain clouds developing over West Kalimantan for seeding.