Bandar seri begawan: Malaysia will utilise ASEAN diplomatic channels to seek a solution to the transboundary haze affecting several areas in the region, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He stated that ASEAN remains the most appropriate platform for addressing issues involving countries in the region. Additionally, Malaysia, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), plans to submit an official letter to the ASEAN Secretariat soon.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NRES Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup will also reach out to his counterpart in Indonesia. Mohamad expressed confidence that ASEAN is the best mechanism for resolving issues among member states and believes the Secretariat should manage this matter. He shared these insights during an interaction with reporters at a hotel, while on a three-day working visit to Brunei.

The visit coincides with the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Exchange of Letters (EOL-27) meeting on August 21 and the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders' Consultation (ALC-27) on August 22. Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Datuk Mohd Aini Atan mentioned that the haze affecting several areas is expected to be discussed between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during the Malaysia-Brunei ALC-27. The issue is of mutual concern for both countries.

Data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal reveals that, as of 4 pm today, the Serian District Police Headquarters (IPD) in Sarawak recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 217, classified as 'very unhealthy.' Additionally, nine other areas in Sarawak reported 'unhealthy' API readings, with Sri Aman at 186, Sarikei at 173, Kuching at 171, Samarahan at 170, Sibu and Samalaju at 156, Bintulu at 153, Mukah at 125, and Kapit at 108.