Many residents of Kuching could be seen wearing masks when venturing out to protect themselves from the worsening smog which has shrouded the capital city of Sarawak.

As the haze appears to be thickening over Kuching, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan Hong Nam chaired an emergency high-level meeting of government officials to discuss remedial measures.

Meanwhile, the Kuching Chinese Schools Board of Management today ordered the city's six Chung Hua Primary Schools, which has a total enrolment of 7,000 students, to cease all outdoor activities.

Daily readings of the Air Pollutant Index (API) are not released. Officials have only described the situation as having reached "unhealthy" levels.