Malaysia Declares Emergency in Sarawak’s Sri Aman as Haze from Indonesian

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency in Sri Aman district, located in the state of Sarawak, following severe air pollution caused by thick haze drifting from wildfires in neighbouring Indonesia.

The emergency declaration followed readings from the Air Pollution Index (API) in Sri Aman, which climbed to 519—surpassing the official hazardous threshold of 500.

In response, authorities ordered the closure of 647 schools effective Monday and extending at least through next weekend. Government offices, private sector workplaces, farms, quarries, and construction sites across the district also suspended operations.

Only essential service facilities are permitted to remain operational during the emergency period.

The decision was made upon recommendation by Sarawak’s Disaster Management Committee, citing public health and safety concerns.

Scope Limited to Sri Aman District

Douglas Ughah Emphas, Chairman of Sarawak’s Disaster Management Committee, confirmed that the emergency status applies exclusively to Sri Aman district and does not extend to other areas within Sarawak.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuching, Emphas urged residents of Sri Aman to treat the situation with seriousness. He advised them to minimise outdoor activities and strictly avoid strenuous physical exertion in open-air environments.