Arya News - According to a joint press release, all individuals with asthma, lung and heart diseases, pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with dust allergies are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Health advised the public that at moderate PSI readings (between 50 and 100), minor health effects such as coughs, eye irritations and runny nose may occur as Brunei Darussalam is currently experiencing a hazy condition.
According to a joint press release, all individuals with asthma, lung and heart diseases, pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with dust allergies are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities. Those experiencing persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms such as coughs, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are advised to seek medical treatment at the nearest health centres.
Over the last few days, the satellite imagery from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected a total of 514 hotspots on August 27, 2026, 1734 hotspots on August 28, 2026 and 1180 hotspots on August 29, 2026 in Borneo respectively. These hotspots were mainly located in the Western part of Borneo, especially in Central and West Kalimantan. The prevailing southwesterly wind blows towards Brunei and the smoke haze from these predominant hotspots has contributed significantly to this hazy condition.
The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications informed that the country is currently experiencing the Southwest Monsoon, with prevailing winds generally blowing from the southwest across the region. Furthermore, according to BDMD’s official seasonal rainfall forecast for August 2026, rainfall is expected to be Slightly Below , with total monthly rainfall estimated to be approximately 20 to 40 per cent below the normal August rainfall of 230 millimetres (mm).
Meanwhile, the daily maximum air temperature is expected to range between 33 degrees Celsius (°C) and 36.0°C. The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations (Particulate Matter 10) in the four districts were at ‘GOOD’ to ‘MODERATE’ level.
The highest PSI readings recorded on August 30, from 9am to 4pm, are: Brunei-Muara (73); Belait (50); Temburong (63); and Tutong (70). PSI reading below 50 is good, while between 50 and 100 is moderate.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation will keep the public informed of the air quality situation through RTB radio stations, and the department’s website and Instagram.
The public is advised to call the Fire and Rescue Department at the emergency line 995 immediately for any incidences of bush and forest fires. Meanwhile, the public should refrain from conducting any open burning activities and other actions that may worsen the haze conditions during the dry period.
The public may contact the Darussalam Hotline 123 for any complaints on open burning activities or for any health information and advice.