Sarawak continues to experience unhealthy air quality, with nine areas in the state recording elevated Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 6 p.m. yesterday. The highest levels were reported in Serian and Kuching, registering API values of 194 and 187 respectively. Other locations with unhealthy readings included Samarahan (175), Sri Aman (173), Bintulu (159), Sarikei (157), Sibu (155), Samalaju (153), and Kapit (144).

Nationwide, 12 areas recorded good air quality, with API readings ranging from 21 to 49. Locations with favorable air quality included Besut in Terengganu (23), Kangar in Perlis (22), Alor Setar and Langkawi in Kedah (43 and 21), Minden and Balik Pulau in Penang (both 49), Temerloh and Jerantut in Pahang (49 and 42), Paka and Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu (both 48), as well as Kota Baru and Tanah Merah in Kelantan (47 and 29). Meanwhile, 47 areas nationwide recorded moderate air quality levels.

The API scale denotes readings from 0 to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous.

To address the poor air quality and the ongoing dry conditions, cloud seeding operations have been conducted across several states to stimulate rainfall, replenish dam levels, and mitigate the haze. On September 20, a two-day cloud seeding effort in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya generated up to 80.2mm of rainfall at the Klang Gates Dam. A separate four-day operation is underway covering Johor, Melaka, and Negri Sembilan aimed at restoring water reserves and maintaining supply security.

These efforts are coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) in partnership with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

MetMalaysia reported that cloud seeding conducted on September 23 targeted the catchment areas of Kelinchi Dam in Negri Sembilan and the Jus, Asahan, and Durian Tunggal dams in Melaka. Weather radar monitoring detected rainfall activity in these zones as early as 2 p.m., specifically noting precipitation over the Kelinchi Dam area.

Looking ahead, the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) forecasts predominantly dry weather across southern ASEAN in the coming days, with the exception of certain parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo where showers are expected. While rain may provide temporary relief to hotspots and reduce smoke haze, there remains a risk of transboundary haze, particularly in areas subjected to extended dry spells.

ASMC also noted prevailing winds in the southern ASEAN region are likely to shift mainly from the southeast to southwest, whereas the northern ASEAN region is expected to receive showers that should suppress hotspot activity and haze, with variable wind directions forecasted there.