KUCHING, Aug 20 — The ongoing haze in Sarawak is expected to persist as forest and land fires continue to rage in neighbouring West Kalimantan.

According to a report by CNN Indonesia, Pontianak recorded the republic’s worst air quality on Thursday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 191 as of 6.56am local time, placing it in the ‘Unhealthy’ category.

IQAir data cited in the report showed the concentration of PM2.5 fine particulate matter in Pontianak had reached 112 microgrammes per cubic metre, or 22.4 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended standard.

CNN Indonesia reported the haze affecting Pontianak was attributed partly to forest and land fires in surrounding districts, including Ketapang, Kubu Raya, Kayong Utara, and Landak, with winds carrying smoke towards the city.

Pontianak has also declared a forest and land fire emergency to strengthen firefighting efforts and coordination among agencies.

Pontianak mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono was cited as saying the city administration was coordinating with the West Kalimantan government, federal government, Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, and private sector to strengthen prevention efforts and address the health impact of the haze.

According to Edi, haze had been blanketing Pontianak particularly during the morning and evening.

CNN Indonesia also reported that 4,041 hotspots had been detected across West Kalimantan as of Aug 10, including 3,560 classified as moderate-level hotspots and 352 as high-level hotspots.

Besides Pontianak, several other areas in Indonesia also recorded ‘Unhealthy’ air quality on Thursday morning.

They included South Tangerang in Banten with an AQI of 176, Bandung in West Java (167), Jakarta (166), and Serpong in Banten (165).

IQAir advised residents in affected areas to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes, and wear masks when outdoors.

The worsening conditions in West Kalimantan are being closely watched from Sarawak, given the proximity of the two regions and the potential for haze to be carried across the border by prevailing winds. — The Borneo Post