Serian: Residents here are continuing with their daily routines despite the haze, although some traders have reported fewer customers and shorter operating hours.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Serian recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 178 as of 4 pm today, placing it in the unhealthy category. A Bernama check at the Serian Tamu Market found some traders wearing face masks while serving customers.

Vegetable seller Asmail Kipli, 62, said he continued operating because he needed to pay his stall rental, despite a 30 per cent drop in customers and income over the past few days. "At the moment, the haze situation is not too worrying for me to conduct business, but there is indeed a drop in customers and income of about 30 per cent," he said. The trader from Gedong said he was also reducing other outdoor activities, adding that residents appeared more cautious about going out unless necessary.

Meanwhile, fruit seller Marina Latong, 53, said she had shortened her operating hours to 3 pm and would consider temporarily closing her stall if the haze persisted. "Even now, I only trade from the morning until 3 pm given the poor weather conditions. If this continues, I will definitely close temporarily while waiting for the weather to improve," she said.

Residents of nearby villages were also seen going about their daily errands, including buying groceries and other necessities. Meanwhile, 107 schools in Serian have been temporarily closed from today until Friday due to the haze.