Reliable national and regional news coverage.
Malaysia is conducting cloud seeding operations across haze-affected regions, targeting areas with Air Pollutant Index readings above 150 and low water reserves. The initiative involves the Meteorological Department and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called on ASEAN leaders to urgently review the 2002 transboundary haze agreement and adopt a stronger, enforceable regional action plan with clear targets and accountability measures to address recurring air quality crises.
Indonesia and Malaysia are stepping up coordination to tackle severe transboundary haze affecting both nations, with weather modification operations and firefighting support among key initiatives being discussed.
Perak's health authorities are intensifying monitoring of haze-related illnesses through sentinel facilities at hospitals and clinics following moderate air pollution readings across the state.
Malaysia faces worsening air quality through August 31 as transboundary haze from Indonesian hotspots drifts across the region. Sarawak expected to be hardest hit, with central peninsular states also affected. Government considers adjusting National Day plans.
Sarawak's childcare centres will shut when the Air Pollutant Index hits 200, a measure endorsed by the state's disaster management authority to shield young children from hazardous haze conditions.
Serian in Sarawak reached a very unhealthy Air Pollution Index of 227, while nine other state areas recorded unhealthy readings. Transboundary smoke from Kalimantan hotspots is blamed for the deterioration.
Malaysia's Natural Resources Minister has signalled that Cabinet intervention may be necessary for August 31 National Day and September 16 Malaysia Day festivities should the regional haze situation deteriorate further.
Malaysia will pursue ASEAN diplomatic channels to resolve transboundary haze impacting several regional areas. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated the bloc remains the most suitable platform for inter-member negotiations on environmental issues.
Sarawak has temporarily shuttered 591 schools across 10 districts as prolonged heat and drought conditions intensify environmental concerns, with authorities warning of increased wildfire and water scarcity risks.
Malaysia and Indonesia are intensifying efforts to combat transboundary haze through enhanced monitoring, stricter enforcement against open burning, and potential cross-border cloud seeding, with ASEAN-wide coordination deemed essential.
Malaysia's weather bureau forecasts sweltering conditions across Sarawak and parts of Borneo through August 20, driven by southerly winds and active hotspots, with ten locations nationwide already facing unhealthy air pollution readings.
Malaysia's education authorities have clarified that school principals can close their institutions when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels, with established protocols guiding these decisions based on API readings and local conditions.
Sarawak is demanding sustained engagement at the ASEAN level to combat transboundary haze affecting multiple districts. The state is also exploring cloud seeding to mitigate severe air quality deterioration.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has flagged the possibility of suspending outdoor activities, notably at schools, should air quality measurements deteriorate to unhealthy thresholds. Current readings remain moderate.
Malaysia's Alliance for a Safe Community chairman urges the government to adopt preventive rather than reactive measures against transboundary haze, proposing strengthened monitoring, regional cooperation, and public preparedness.
Sabah's fire authority has issued urgent warnings against open burning as smoke from Kalimantan forest fires drifts northward, degrading air quality and raising health risks for vulnerable populations.
Selangor's leadership has signalled willingness to reschedule SUKMA 2026 events should air quality metrics worsen, with Johan Setia in Klang currently showing concerning pollution levels.
Singapore's environmental authorities have placed their haze response framework on high alert following increased fire activity across neighbouring Indonesian regions. The city-state is monitoring smoke plumes that could drift across borders as seasonal wind patterns intensify.
The Kedah Department of Environment is conducting continuous air quality monitoring following a major industrial fire in Lunas that destroyed four factories early Monday morning, with no casualties reported.
Serian in Sarawak recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index reading of 153 on July 27, with 11 other areas experiencing moderate pollution levels. Authorities warn of worsening conditions due to the southwest monsoon and potential cross-border biomass burning.
Intense wildfires across northwestern Ontario have engulfed Canada's largest cities in dangerous smog, with Toronto experiencing the worst air quality among major global cities. Train operations have been suspended as crews evacuate from affected communities.