Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said further action over the worsening haze situation, including the possibility of declaring a disaster emergency, will be discussed with the Sarawak government after the Air Pollutant Index (API) in Serian exceeded 500.
Anwar said he had contacted Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday to discuss the situation, with Serian recording an API reading of 518 this morning.
He said appropriate safety measures, including the suspension of office and school operations except for critical agencies, would be implemented should an emergency be declared.
“We will take all necessary measures, whether cloud seeding or other actions, even though this (haze situation) is the result of developments elsewhere.
“We have to bear the consequences and be patient for a while. I pray for the safety of the people in Serian, across Sarawak and in other affected areas,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at the Bukit Indah Mosque in Ampang Jaya.
According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Serian’s monitoring station at the local District Police Headquarters recorded an API reading of 518, placing it in the hazardous category.
Kuching also remained in the hazardous range with an API reading of 310, while Samarahan and Sri Aman recorded very unhealthy readings of 281 and 245 respectively.
Anwar said the government would continue to assess the situation and take necessary measures to protect public safety as air quality deteriorates.
