Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak as haze from Indonesia worsens

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Published: 2026-09-05T07:35:15.337Z • Permanent link

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared a state of emergency in the state of Sarawak on September 1, 2023, amid severe haze from Indonesian forest fires. The decision comes after weeks of deteriorating air quality, with particulate matter levels reaching hazardous levels in several major cities, including Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The haze has been exacerbated by wildfires in Indonesia's Riau and Sumatra provinces, which have released massive amounts of smoke into the atmosphere.

The haze has already started to affect Malaysia's economy, with several major industries, including palm oil and manufacturing, experiencing disruptions. The country's palm oil exports, worth billions of dollars, have also been impacted, with several major buyers canceling orders due to concerns over the haze. The haze has also raised concerns over public health, with the Malaysian government reporting a surge in respiratory problems and other health issues.

The emergency declaration in Sarawak is seen as a significant escalation of the government's response to the crisis, and is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the country's politics and economy. The declaration gives the state government sweeping powers to deal with the crisis, including the ability to ban public gatherings and impose strict curfews.

The haze in Sarawak has significant implications for the global infrastructure sector, particularly in terms of supply chain disruptions and public health concerns. Several major companies, including palm oil producers and manufacturers, have already started to feel the impact of the haze, with some reporting losses and delays in production. The crisis has also raised concerns over the resilience of Malaysia's economy, which has been vulnerable to external shocks in recent years.

The haze has also highlighted the need for greater coordination and cooperation between governments and companies to address environmental crises. The Malaysian government has been criticized for its slow response to the crisis, and the declaration of a state of emergency is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue. However, the crisis has also raised concerns over the impact on the country's democratic institutions, with some critics arguing that the emergency declaration is a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power.

The haze in Sarawak is part of a larger pattern of environmental crises in Southeast Asia, which have been exacerbated by climate change and poor governance. The region has been hit by several major environmental disasters in recent years, including the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires and the 2020 Indonesian forest fires. These crises have highlighted the need for greater coordination and cooperation between governments and companies to address environmental challenges.