Malaysia Lifts Serian Emergency Declaration as Haze Lingers at 'Very Unhealthy' Levels

Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim consented to lift the state of emergency for Sarawak's Serian district on Sept. 7, five days after declaring it when Serian's API hit a hazardous 519-521. The decision followed advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, based on agency reports showing Serian's API had fallen below the hazardous (300+) threshold to 222 by Monday morning. A Prime Minister's Office statement said the federal and state governments would keep closely monitoring the situation and urged residents to keep limiting outdoor activity. Despite the lift, air quality remained compromised through the day: Serian's API climbed back to 245 (very unhealthy) by 2pm, and 11 areas statewide — including Sarikei (193), Kuching (192), Sri Aman (184), Mukah (182), and Sibu (182) — registered unhealthy readings, while Samarahan stayed in the very-unhealthy band. The 647 Sarawak schools ordered closed through Sept. 11 remained shut.