Serian town unusually quiet amid thick haze and emergency declaration

Harrison Sastre (2nd left) brings his family to buy essential items at a supermarket in Serian September 5, 2026. The usually vibrant streets of Serian town, typically bustling with weekend crowds, appeared unusually quiet today, amidst the ongoing haze and the declaration of an emergency in the area. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 05 Sep 2026 2:06 PM MYT

SERIAN, Sept 5 — The usually vibrant streets of Serian town, typically bustling with weekend crowds, appeared unusually quiet today, amidst the ongoing haze and the declaration of an emergency in the area.

A Bernama check around the town found that health concerns had disrupted daily activities.

However, the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal showed a downward trend from the hazardous levels above 500 recorded the day before.

Resident Elton Arib, 33, from nearby Kampung Engkeroh, said this weekend felt starkly different from the usual, blanketed by thick haze and the pungent smell of smoke.

“Normally, the town is full of people on weekends. But today, it’s quiet because of the haze. It’s the school holidays, but we’re not letting our kids go out.

“We’re scared it might affect their health. We’re also getting them to drink more boiled water. With schools shut next week too, my primary school kid will be looked after by his grandmother in the village.”

“In this kind of weather, even motorcyclists like me have to be very careful. We can’t ride fast because we can’t see clearly,” he told Bernama.

The hazardous haze has also taken a toll on traders, including Siti Shahrizan Lamat, 25, who said the drop in customer footfall has directly affected her family’s daily income.

“People are scared to come out because of the haze. Sales were really slow yesterday, and this shop is our only regular income.

“This morning is a bit clearer than yesterday, but the town is still much emptier than a usual weekend,” said the mother of one.

Fruit seller Sakong Lek, 63, from Kampung Serian Hilir, echoed similar sentiments, hoping for clearer skies. He said the light drizzle early this morning had brought some relief.

Yesterday, the King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, consented to declare an emergency across the entire Serian division, as the haze had reached levels hazardous to public health and safety.

The state of emergency has also led to the closure of 647 schools in Sarawak starting Sept 7, Monday, with lessons to continue through home-based teaching and learning.

As of 10 am today, the API reading in Serian, as reported on the Department of Environment’s APIMS portal, had dropped from yesterday’s levels, but remained in the hazardous range at 334. — Bernama