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Malaysia declares emergency as toxic smoke fills the air
A district in Sarawak is under a state of emergency after air pollution from Indonesian forest fires reached dangerous levels.
A view of a town in Sarawak, Malaysia, covered in a thick layer of grey, toxic haze.
By John Doe
Reporting from Malaysia 
Sept. 5, 2026, 3:51 a.m. - an hour ago
Malaysia has officially declared an emergency in the Serian district of Sarawak. The area is dealing with a thick, toxic haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia.
The air quality has become so bad that it is now considered dangerous for people to breathe. Local officials say the smoke is thick enough to choke the area, making it hard for residents to go about their daily lives.
When an area declares this type of emergency, it usually means the government is taking extra steps to protect the public. This can include closing schools, handing out face masks, and making sure hospitals are ready for people who have trouble breathing.
This haze is a recurring problem in the region. It happens when forest fires in neighboring Indonesia send large clouds of smoke across the border, carried by the wind into Malaysia.
For now, people in Serian are being told to stay indoors as much as possible and limit their time outside until the air clears up.
Source: AP News
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