Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak town as haze reaches critical level

Malaysia is experiencing a worsening haze linked to forest fires in Indonesia, exacerbated by dry weather conditions and an intensifying El Nino. Intermittent rain brought some relief, but authorities expect the situation to remain largely unchanged over the next few days.

Kuching riverside in the city center is shrouded in thick haze in Kuching, Sarawak state, Malaysia, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Xpin Voon)

The Sarawak Government Administrative Centre in Serian is shrouded in thick haze on Friday, Sept 4, 2026. (AP Photo)

Sarawak Astana government building is shrouded in thick haze in Kuching, Sarawak state, Malaysia, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Xpin Voon)

Kuching riverside in the city center is shrouded in thick haze in Kuching, Sarawak state, Malaysia, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Xpin Voon)