Serian API Falls to 185 as Sarawak Extends Cloud-Seeding; Batang Ai Dam Hits Emergency Level 3

Air quality in Serian, the epicenter of Sarawak's Sept. 4 haze emergency, continued improving on Sept. 6, with its API falling to 185 (unhealthy) by noon — down from 521 two days earlier. Kuching led the state at 223 (10am), followed by Sri Aman (215), Samalaju (200), Bintulu (198), Mukah (194), Samarahan (192), Sarikei (188), and Serian/Miri-area stations around 175-182. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said cloud-seeding operations, targeting the Bakun and Murum dam catchments, would be extended through Sept. 7 after producing rainfall below expectations as strong winds pushed cloud formations across the border. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee said water reserves remained critically low, with Batang Ai dam having already reached Emergency Level 3 and Murum/Bakun approaching similar thresholds; a decision on lifting Serian's emergency status was deferred pending further monitoring of wind direction and hotspot activity.