Offices, government agencies and private-sector workplaces affected by the haze emergency in Serian, including industrial sites, plantations, construction sites and quarries, may continue operating but must implement health precautionary measures.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who chairs the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the committee was closely monitoring the haze situation, particularly Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in Serian.
He said the SDMC would monitor API levels over the next three days for any rise above 500 before making further recommendations to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the emergency status.
The API is primarily influenced by wind direction and the location of hotspots, Uggah said.
As of 10 am today, the Serian air quality monitoring station recorded an API reading of 334, which falls within the hazardous category.
Uggah advised the public to avoid outdoor activities and to wear an N95 or three-ply mask if outdoor exposure was unavoidable. He also urged people to take particular care of children, senior citizens and others who are more vulnerable to the effects of haze.
The SDMC will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary while coordinating with relevant state and federal agencies.
Yesterday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim consented to the declaration of an emergency throughout Serian Division after the API reading exceeded 500.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the decision was made after considering advice from the Prime Minister, the Sarawak Premier and relevant agencies on air quality in the affected area.
