Emergency remains: Uggah says Serian still under haze alert despite API improvement

KUCHING, Sept 5 — Serian remains under the haze emergency despite its Air Pollutant Index (API) reading improving from the hazardous level, with the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) continuing to closely monitor the situation.

SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said in a statement today that the Serian air quality monitoring station recorded an API reading of 334 as at 10am, placing the area in the hazardous category.

However, the reading fell to 273 by 2pm, bringing it into the very unhealthy category.

He said SDMC would monitor the API reading over the next three days to observe any fluctuations, particularly the possibility of it rising above 500.

“The API is primarily affected by the wind direction and source of hotspots,” he said.

Uggah said the monitoring would be carried out before any recommendation was made to the Sarawak Premier and Prime Minister regarding the status of the emergency in Serian.

Yesterday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim consented to the declaration of an emergency in the Serian Division following worsening haze that had pushed air pollution to hazardous levels, with API readings exceeding 500.

The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement yesterday, said the decision was made after taking into consideration the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and relevant agencies monitoring air quality in the affected area.

Although Serian remains under the emergency, Uggah said government and private offices, as well as other workplaces in the affected area, may continue operating.

This includes industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries.

“However, they must take health precautionary measures,” he said.

Uggah said SDMC was also closely monitoring air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and haze movement across Sarawak so that appropriate action could be taken as the situation develops.

The public was advised to avoid outdoor activities, while those who could not avoid exposure outdoors were advised to wear an N95 mask or, at minimum, a three-ply mask.

Uggah also urged the public to take particular care of children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups who may be more affected by the haze.

He said SDMC would continue to monitor the situation closely and issue further updates as necessary.

The committee would also continue working closely with relevant State and Federal agencies to manage the situation.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of the people of Sarawak remain our highest priority,” he said. — The Borneo Post