August 17, 2026. Well the talk of the day today is the haze. People comment upon it – those near and far – but what is it anyway. Lets find out and then explore people’s reactions to it. I write from indoors by the way, looking out at it.
Well this is the story.
The Sarawak Government is closely monitoring the haze that has affected several areas in the state following the Air Pollution Index (API) reading above 100, particularly in the southern region of Sarawak.
There is more bad news. How is this for bad timing on my part????
The air quality in Kuching, Sarawak is currently unhealthy, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 169 (with PM2.5 levels around 81.8 µg/m³). This elevated pollution is driven by transboundary smoke and dry weather condition.
Kuching does not permanently have the cleanest air, but live global trackers like IQAir frequently rank it among the top major cities worldwide for clean air during specific cooler and rainy periods. However, its air quality fluctuates drastically based on the season, There was good news from Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen,
“KUCHING, Jan 11: It may be time to take a deep breath of fresh air outside, with Kuching listed as having one of the cleanest air quality in the world, according to hourly air quality rankings by IQAir. That day it had a rating of 13, while Sydney won the prize at 11. “
I told you my timing was bad. Hahahaha
Then this: The question was what is the cleanest place in Malaysia.
Malaysia does not have just one single cleanest place, but a few cities and towns regularly win top awards for cleanliness, waste management, and air quality. The top contenders frequently recognized for being the cleanest include Putrajaya, Kuching, and Muar.
This is down right confusing. Decided to simply my research and go to dictionary. This does not sound so bad: a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles.
However, another definition is to force (a new or potential recruit to the military, a college fraternity, etc.) to perform strenuous, humiliating, or dangerous tasks. NO NO NO – not that definition. There is most definitely not a problem here in Kuching. Hahaha.
Wikipedia discusses haze endlessly. If you want to become an expert on haze I suggest you read it. Otherwise do not bother. Hahaha. The article includes photographs of cities immersed in haze. One of them, honest, was Abuja, Nigeria. Who would have thought as it is a planned recent capital of Nigeria. I learned of the city as my dowry consisted of a two bedroom condominium in Abuja. The wedding did not happen. Phew. Now I am temporarily residing in Kuching – which usually had great air quality. More to come. Here is the beginning of the Wikipedia endless article.
Wikipedia: Haze is traditionally an atmospheric phenomenon in which dust, smoke, and other dry particulates suspended in air obscure visibility and the clarity of the sky.
Then my next discovery. The question was what is the ‘nicest city in Malaysia”? The answer was: Penang, Kuching, and Ipoh. the “nicest” city in Malaysia depends on what you l ing provides a clean, green riverside vibe, and Ipoh features dramatic limestone hills. s air quality worldwide live, showed that as at 11.53am today, Kuching ranked second with its air quality index (AQI) at 13, just a spot below Sydney, Australia which recorded an AQI of 11. a Swiss technology company which tracks air quality worldwide live, showed that as at 11.53am today, Kuching ranked second with its air quality index (AQI) at 13, just a spot below Sydney, Australia which recorded an AQI of 11.
What a blessed life I live. Here in Kuching (the right place but the wrong time), living in Peaand (the right place, at the right time). Not visited Ipoh yet but passed it man times on my KL to Penang Sandman-driven trips.
I was writing from the Hilton River Cafe when suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder. It was both frightening and enlightening at the same time. Because it meant rain which might chase away the hazy. The rain came down. Such happiness!
I was Instagram scrolling – one post grabbed my immediate attention. It was entitled Malaysia BROUGHT BROUGHT BACK ITS OWN LAND IN 4 HOURS.. The story began: September 7, 1981, London Stock Exchange. The most daring corporate in Malaysian history.
It went onto say: For over 100 years British corporations owned the land that Malaysia was built on. The rubber. The oil. The palms. The profits all going back to London. Then one morning Malaysia decided to take it back. Nobody in London saw it coming. Khlid Ibraham. Tun Ismail Ili. Tun Mahathir. No army. No protest. Just a broker. RM I billion, and ten minute. Within ten minutes of trading PNB owned 51% of Guthrie Corporation. Before lunch the British Chairman was gone. The London office closed. The land came home.
It went onto to say: The London Stock Exchange was so embarrassed they changed their rules after. To stop anyone from doing it again. This is the Guthrie Dawn Raid. Most Malaysians have never heard of it. Share this so they do.
Well this is the comment I wrote:
Me: I am a brand new Malaysian. I shall share this on my blog on the day I get my Malaysian ten-year visa. I am so indebted to you for sharing this on the most important day of my life.
I am thorough, all those years as a lawyer left and indelible mark
(What is the meaning of thorough? 1) complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial. 2) performed or written with great care and completeness. 3) taking pains to do something carefully and completely. Some synonyms: in-depth, meticulous, assiduous. I am definitely not superficial, cursory, partial.
I checked with Artificial Intelligence to learn of the authenticity of the fabled Guthrie Dawn Raid. I shall summarize for you their findings.
Artificial Intelligence: The Guthrie Dawn Raid did take place on Monday 7 September, 1981, at the London Stock Exchange and the basic historical account is well documented. It is sometimes portrayed as though Malaysia suddenly bought Guthrie from scratch this morning. This is not quite accurate. PNB had already built up a substantial stake – around 25% – before 7 September. The ‘raid’ was the the rapid purchase of the additional shares needed for obtain majority control. The event subsequently became an important symbol of Malaysia’s effort to reduce foreign- particularly British- control over the country’s plantation economy. Academic historians have also placed ii in the broader context of Malaysia’s post colonial economic restructuring and decolonization.
I did not stop there in my meticulous manner. I read the sources from which AI obtained information including an lengthy article found in a Cambridge University Press publication, Here is the cite: Modern Asian Studies, Volume 44, Issue 5., September 2010 pp.919-960.
I read the Abstract, but did not read the entire article, but did read the 132 references.
Photographs will be of my morning walk on the day of days. August 18 when I obtained my five year Sarawak Malaysian visa; renewable for five years if I behave and pass a medical exam. I intend to behave AND to keep healthy. Hahahaha
