KUCHING: Several major events in Sarawak have been postponed as a precautionary measure amid worsening air quality and haze affecting several areas in the state.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the decision took into account the current air quality situation, with priority given to public safety, health and well-being.
He said the events postponed were the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ programme, scheduled for Aug 28 to 30 in Mukah; the 2026 Sarawak State-level National Day Celebration, scheduled for Aug 30 to 31 in Kapit; and the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Rumah Mendit Penom, Spaoh, scheduled for Sept 1.
“The postponements are precautionary measures, taking into account the current situation as well as the priority given to the safety and well-being of the public,” he said in a statement today (Sat, Aug 22).
Uggah, the Deputy Premier said the SDMC is continuously monitoring the hot weather and air quality across Sarawak, with particular attention given to areas recording unhealthy readings.
Based on the Hot Weather Report updated at 8 am today, 18 monitoring locations recorded PM2.5 readings ranging from 68 to 190.
Of these, 11 locations recorded readings at the unhealthy level, between 101 and 200, while six locations recorded moderate readings and one location recorded a good reading.
The highest reading was recorded at IPD Serian (MCAQM) at 190, followed by Kuching and Lubok Antu at 181 respectively, Lundu (179), Samarahan (177), Sri Aman (174) and Sarikei (172).
Uggah said activities or events involving large gatherings, particularly those held outdoors, were also advised to be postponed to suitable dates as a precautionary measure to reduce public exposure to unhealthy air quality.
He said SDMC, together with relevant agencies, would continue monitoring the situation and coordinating appropriate measures based on prevailing conditions and risk levels.
He also advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, especially when air quality reached an unhealthy level or higher, while high-risk groups such as children, senior citizens, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions should limit their exposure to polluted air.
The public was also urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and sports if the haze worsened, use appropriate face masks when necessary, keep doors and windows closed when outdoor air quality deteriorated and monitor air quality through official Department of Environment (DOE) sources.
Uggah also called on the public to refrain from open burning and report any incidents of fire or open burning to the authorities.
He urged the public not to spread unverified information and to rely on official government channels for the latest updates.
“The cooperation of all parties is crucial in reducing health risks, fire risks and further deterioration of air quality throughout the haze period,” he said.
He added that SDMC would continue strengthening coordination and preparedness with relevant agencies to monitor the haze, hot weather and fire risks and implement preventive and mitigation measures accordingly.
