KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak, after smoke from wildfires in neighbouring Indonesia pushed air pollution in the district to hazardous levels.
The emergency measures will take effect as authorities seek to limit public exposure to the worsening haze, which has affected air quality across parts of Malaysian Borneo.
Schools and other affected facilities in Serian are expected to close from Monday, while essential services will continue operating during the emergency period.
The declaration follows a sharp deterioration in air quality as smoke from fires across the border in Indonesia drifted into Sarawak, raising health concerns for residents.
Authorities have urged people in affected areas to reduce outdoor activity and take precautions against prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly children, older people and those with respiratory conditions.
Transboundary haze has periodically affected Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries during periods of extensive forest and land fires in Indonesia, with prevailing winds capable of carrying smoke across national borders.
The duration of the emergency will depend on air-quality conditions and the movement of the haze over the coming days.