Air quality in parts of Sarawak remained unhealthy on Friday evening, with Samarahan reporting the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading as of 6 p.m., according to data from the Environment Department’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). Samarahan’s API registered at 156, followed closely by Kuching at 154, both within the unhealthy category, defined as readings between 101 and 200.
Earlier in the afternoon, the haze situation in Sarawak was more severe, with four areas showing unhealthy API levels at 4 p.m. Serian recorded an API of 170, the highest, followed by Samarahan and Kuching at 158 each, and Sri Aman at 148. The prolonged haze conditions in the region have persisted for several days.
The worsening air quality led to the cancellation of the Kuching Marathon, which was scheduled for Saturday. The Kuching Marathon Association cited ongoing poor API readings and other environmental factors as reasons for the decision. Registered participants are allowed to collect their finisher medals and T-shirts starting Friday at Plaza Merdeka shopping centre, with collection details to be shared on the association’s official social media channels.
At the time of the cancellation announcement, Kuching had an unhealthy API reading of 158. The association has been monitoring air pollution levels since the haze began impacting the area earlier this month.
Meteorological forecasts from MetMalaysia indicated that haze conditions would continue in Sarawak on Friday morning, with isolated thunderstorms expected over inland areas during the afternoon and scattered rain forecast overnight. Similar haze conditions are anticipated for Saturday morning.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre reported that dry conditions are likely to persist across much of the southern ASEAN region, although rainfall over parts of Borneo may offer some relief. The centre also noted ongoing hotspot activity and smoke plumes in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra, contributing to elevated haze levels in areas experiencing extended dry weather.
Meanwhile, air quality across the Klang Valley and most of Peninsular Malaysia remained in the moderate range as of 6 p.m. Shah Alam recorded the highest API reading in the Klang Valley at 83, followed by Johan Setia at 79 and Cheras at 77. Other areas, including Kuala Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Batu Muda, Putrajaya, Klang, and Banting, registered API values generally between 60 and 80, indicating moderate pollution levels.