KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) level in Serian over the next three days amid concerns that the reading could rise above 500.
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the monitoring is necessary to assess fluctuations in the API before any recommendation on the status of an emergency in Serian is made to the Premier of Sarawak and Prime Minister.
“As at 10 am, the Serian air quality monitoring station recorded an API of 334, placing Serian in the hazardous category.
“SDMC is currently monitoring the API level in Serian over these three days in anticipation of any fluctuation, particularly should it increase to a level above 500,” he said in a statement today (Sept 5).
Uggah said the API level is primarily influenced by wind direction and the source of hotspots.
He added that SDMC is closely monitoring air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and the movement of haze across Sarawak so that appropriate action could be taken as the situation develops.
Government and private offices, as well as other workplaces in the affected areas, including industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries, may continue operations but must take necessary health precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, the public is advised to avoid outdoor activities amid the hazardous air quality.
Those who need to be outdoors are advised to wear an N95 mask, or at minimum a three-ply mask, while children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups should be given particular attention due to the effects of haze.
SDMC said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary, while working with relevant State and Federal agencies.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of the people of Sarawak remain our highest priority,” it said.
