BAU: Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions and other health sensitivities, have been urged to limit outdoor activities as haze continues to affect parts of Sarawak.
Deputy Minister for Transport II Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the recurring haze requires the public to remain vigilant and adjust their daily routines according to prevailing air quality.
“When the Air Pollutant Index reaches around 150, it is no longer safe to carry out prolonged outdoor activities.
“The community must be careful and reduce outdoor activities while those with health conditions need to take extra precautions,” he said after visiting the Serikin Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) construction site here on Sunday (Aug 9).
Henry said haze has become a recurring problem in the state, particularly during periods when smoke from activities across the border is carried into Sarawak.
He acknowledged that the transboundary nature of the haze limited what could be done locally to address its source, making personal precautions especially important.
“This is not a one-off problem. It happens almost every year and much of it comes from the other side of the border due to activities beyond our control.”
As of 8am, Monday (Aug 10), Kuching recorded an unhealthy API reading of 153, followed by Samarahan at 156, Serian at 170, Bintulu at 156 and Samalaju at 151, according to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System. Five areas recorded unhealthy air quality.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee had earlier identified 19 areas expected to be affected by transboundary haze over the coming days, including Kuching, Lundu, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Mukah.
“Prevailing winds are carrying smoke from hotspots in neighbouring regions into the state,” the committee said.
