SERIAN: Residents in this town remained resilient and continued with their daily activities despite the hazardous haze conditions which recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 241 this morning.
The spike in API has raised health concerns, particularly as the level has entered the hazardous category.
However, political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said the community understood the need to continue essential activities while remaining mindful of public health.
“Maybe some people are not too happy and are pretty disappointed over the postponement, but we value people’s health on top of everything else,” he said in a press statement today.
He stated that following the postponement of the annual Bung Sadong Climbathon, originally scheduled for Sunday, Aug 23, it would be paused until further notice due to the prevailing haze conditions.
According to Minos, the decision was made as the event is held outdoors and involves hundreds of young participants from Serian and other areas.
The popular annual event, which attracts strong participation each year, is expected to return on a later date with an even bigger and more enjoyable programme.
Meanwhile, residents attending a project groundbreaking ceremony near Serian town today commented that the community has no choice but to carry on with daily activities.
“What can we do? Life has to go on,” said an MDS councillor, reflecting the sentiment among residents facing the worsening haze.
Another councillor said the haze situation could not be resolved by the local community alone, calling for greater cooperation between Malaysian and Indonesian authorities.
“We can only appeal to our government to talk with the Indonesian authorities to stop the burning,” he said.
A local Kapitan also expressed concern over the hazardous conditions, saying residents were suffering from the poor air quality but had limited options to address the situation.
“At API 241, it is hazardous. We are suffering, but what can we do?” he said.
Minos urged Serian residents to remain calm and assured them that the haze situation would eventually pass, allowing normal life to resume.
“To all the people of Serian, please keep calm. The haze will come to pass, life will be back to normal and joy will return,” he concluded.
