KUCHING, Aug. 20 -- The ongoing haze in Sarawak is expected to persist as forest and land fires continue to rage in neighbouring West Kalimantan.

According to a report by CNN Indonesia, Pontianak recorded the republic's worst air quality on Thursday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 191 as of 6.56am local time, placing it in the 'Unhealthy' category.

IQAir data cited in the report showed the concentration of PM2.5 fine particulate matter in Pontianak had reached 112 microgrammes per cubic metre, or 22.4 times higher than the World Health Organisation's recommended standard.

CNN Indonesia reported the haze affecting Pontianak was attributed partly to forest and land fires in surrounding districts, including Ketapang, Kubu Raya,...