Kuching 25 July 2025 Friday - The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak is actively monitoring the transboundary haze movement to ensure community health.

According to a statement, Lundu has been identified as areas with low air quality, recording an Air Pollution Index (API) of 125 as of Friday at 8 a.m., while Tebedu recorded an API of 69.

“Through the observation of API data from Air Quality Monitoring Stations operated by NREB along Sarawak's border with neighbouring countries, both areas have been identified as areas at high risk of API increases.

“Based on the agency's analysis on 21 July 2025, the trajectory of haze from neighboring countries is expected to have a moderate haze impact, especially in western Sarawak for the forecast period,” it said on Friday.

Additionally, as a proactive preventive measure, NREB carries out patrolling and physical monitoring activities including using drones in flammable areas, especially agricultural areas, peatlands, bushland areas and landfills that have been identified as having a high risk of fire.

This measure has proven effective in reducing open burning, which can be seen from the significant difference in the number of hotspots detected in Sarawak (62 hotspots) and in neighboring countries (448 hotspots) starting from 18 to 24 July 2025 (7 days).

The Sarawak Government through the 37th Sarawak State-West Kalimantan Province Sosek-Malindo Conference held on 21 - 25 November 2024, has agreed with West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan) to collaborate in dealing with forest fires and haze.

NREB also welcomes joint efforts with West Kalimantan such as conducting patrols and training for long-term cooperation.

NREB together with relevant agencies will disseminate the latest API information through the mass media, official social media and the official NREB website.

NREB is also committed to updating data on the current air quality status, API readings and trends, information on hotspots for the use of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in making any decisions and taking further action, for example, closing schools if the API reading level exceeds the level set by the Ministry of Education.

In addition, NREB also warns the public not to engage in open burning which can cause air pollution, especially in the summer.

The public is also asked to report cases of open burning to the nearest NREB Office or the NREB Hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500. -UKASnews