The government is prepared to propose declaring an emergency in any area where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 400, in line with the country’s haze management procedures.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said an emergency could be considered when API readings reach a very dangerous level. This follows the situation in Serian, Sarawak, where readings exceeded 500, leading to an emergency declaration.
“Anything above 400 is considered very dangerous, and an emergency can be considered,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 MADANI Adoption Village and MADANI Adoption School project handover ceremony at Dataran Kampung Basong here today.
Despite the situation in Serian, Arthur said only three of the 68 API monitoring stations nationwide had recorded very unhealthy readings so far. They were in Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman in Sarawak, while Serian had recorded hazardous readings.
He said any emergency declaration would remain in force until API readings fell to safer levels. Measures during the period could include school closures and the use of face masks.
The comments came a day after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim declared an emergency throughout Serian Division following hazardous haze conditions that threatened public health and safety.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the decision took into account advice from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and relevant agencies on air quality in the area.
Meanwhile, efforts to improve air quality have also included cloud-seeding operations. Arthur said operations conducted in Sarawak, Kedah and Perlis yesterday had produced rain in several areas from the evening until early today.
Malaysia has also obtained written permission from Indonesia for its air assets to enter Indonesian airspace for cloud-seeding operations when required.
In addition, Malaysia has offered assets and personnel to help extinguish open fires in Indonesia. However, Arthur said no official request had been received so far.
