KUCHING: Serian’s emergency status will be reviewed after three days of air quality monitoring following a drop in its Air Pollutant Index (API) to 334 on Saturday morning (Sept 5).
Deputy Premier and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the reading recorded at 10 am remained within the hazardous category despite falling below the emergency threshold of 500.
He said the committee would monitor the API closely over the next three days for any fluctuations, particularly the possibility of it rising above 500 again.
“The monitoring will be carried out before any recommendation is presented to the Sarawak Premier and Prime Minister regarding the emergency status in Serian,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Uggah said changes in the API were primarily influenced by wind direction and the location of hotspots.
Government and private offices, as well as industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries in the affected area, are allowed to continue operating.
However, employers and workers must observe the necessary health precautions while carrying out their activities.
“The public is advised to avoid outdoor activities and wear an N95 mask, or at least a three-ply mask, when outdoor exposure is unavoidable,” he said.
Special attention should also be given to children, senior citizens and individuals who are more vulnerable to the effects of haze.
Uggah said SDMC would continue monitoring air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and haze movement in coordination with relevant state and federal agencies.
