‘Literally tasting the smoke’: Malaysians struggle as haze worsens

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Kaula Lumpur: Malaysians are struggling with worsening haze as smoke from fires in neighbouring Indonesia blankets portions of the country, causing coughing, sore throats, and difficulties breathing.

One of the most severely affected regions has been Sarawak. On September 1, 5 locations reported hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Serian at 415 and Kuching at 405. Several additional places reported extremely poor air quality.

Fires and hotspots in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra, combined with Malaysia's hot, dry weather and prevailing winds, are causing conditions to deteriorate. Authorities warn that the smog might stay or worsen if the dry conditions and Indonesian hotspots continue.

For many Malaysians, the haze has become a daily occurrence, with residents restricting outdoor activities and monitoring air-quality measurements. Some people have said that the heavy smoke is so powerful that they feel like they are literally tasting the smoke.

Sarawak authorities are planning cloud-seeding operations from September 3 to 5, weather permitting, as they battle the growing haze and extended dry conditions.