The haze returned today, and by noon the Kuching Division had registered an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 96, from 76 as of 8am.

Kuching International Airport (KIA) senior manager Mohd Nadzim Hashim said by noon, seven flights involving 668 passengers were affected.

He said the flights comprised two departures with 448 passengers and five arrivals involving 220, adding that those affected were on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia flights between Sibu and Kuching, and Bintulu and Kuching.

“The visibility distance at KIA was at 800 metres this morning before improving to 900 by noon.

“All passengers on flights using the KIA are advised to check their flying schedules with the respective flight companies before going to the airport for any possible disruption,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Meanwhile, according to the department of environment, the API for Sri Aman was at an unhealthy 116, which was the highest in the state as of noon.

It was followed by Kuching with a moderate 96, Samarahan (90), Sarikei (85) and Sibu (74).

- Bernama