Sarawak Haze Eases: Air Quality Update

Haze Clears in Sarawak

For the better part of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of Serian, Sarawak, Malaysia experienced haze and poor air quality. The situation was dire, with government declaring an emergency to keep people safe. But now, a reprieve. The on-screen text displayed by Earth Signal indicates that the haze has "eased". There's a key point to remember, though — easing is not the same as completely gone. Drenches of rain can be the quickest way to clear haze, washing almost all particles from the air. And Sarawak has received much-needed rain in recent days. Such relief is temporary, though. The haze could easily return. One major issue remains: open burning. Polluting fires are still happening in Indonesia, which is the likely culprit for haze in the region. Ire in marginalized populations rises. The fires can quickly burn out of control, with governments scrambling. The Sarawai Emergency Services Department issued a statement that closely mirrors the on-screen text, where the "emergency declaration [was] lifted." It acknowledged that the air quality had improved. But it also warned that "health risks remain." What's the cause? The pollution index jumped too sharply during the pandemic, and particulate matter was flagged as the likely culprit. This is probably why the statement built in a cautionary note.

Sarawak's air quality improved

Earth Signal's summary states that "air quality has improved." But that doesn't mean it's great. Air quality and the pollutants it contains can change on a daily, even hourly, basis. This is due to the fact that emissions from both industrial and transport sources — which can produce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide — can fluctuate. The health effects of these pollutants are significant. As such, it's essential for both residents and tourists alike to stay educated about air quality in the region and take precautions when necessary to avoid exposure. Air Quality Index (AQI) is the official way to describe air quality. It tracks pollutants, but is not the only local gauge. People can also measure particulate matter with a simple device. This means tracking outdoor air pollution as well as indoor air pollution.

A Well-Known Environmental Injustice

Environmental issues often co-occur with social inequality. Those in low-income communities or ethnic minorities are often disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. The disparity in exposure to pollutants can significantly contribute to a cycle of poor health outcomes, limited opportunities, and few means of escape from these conditions. Multiple environmental agencies started using the idea of environmental justice to highlight these issues. This means that no matter how the industry changes, pollution remains a hazard. Earth Signal's statement reiterates stakeholder sentiments. Earth Signal focuses on health risks, clearly stating that though the "haze has eased... health risks remain." This suggests that mitigating these pollutants should be a priority for the government. And that protecting the health of people in Sarawak should be the first goal.