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Air Quality in Serian Reaches Dangerous Levels

The Air Pollutant Index in Serian has surged to 517, prompting calls for an emergency declaration.

4 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Air Quality in Serian Reaches Dangerous Levels — Archive photoPhoto: Michel Talbot · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Serian, Sarawak, has reached 517, exceeding the emergency threshold. This significant rise in API indicates severe air quality conditions, marking an escalation from earlier levels reported.

Authorities note that an emergency declaration would necessitate closure of all government and private-sector offices except for essential services. A Deputy Premier has highlighted that the responsibility for declaring such an emergency lies with Putrajaya, requiring royal endorsement.

In contrast, northern West Malaysia has experienced improvements in air quality, with areas in Kedah, Penang, and Kelantan reporting good conditions, demonstrating a regional disparity in air quality effects.

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