KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has rejected claims that the state government is downplaying the haze situation, stressing that public safety remains a priority.
He said the government had been closely monitoring the situation and taking action based on official Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, including closing schools when readings reached 200.
“We never play with the lives of Sarawakians. That is why yesterday, schools were closed as soon as we reached 200,” he said to reporters after the opening ceremony of Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGFest) at Pullman Hotel here today.
Uggah also urged the public to rely only on official API readings issued by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and Department of Environment (DOE), following the circulation of differing figures from unofficial sources.
“It is very sad because we do not know the source. My advice to the public is to follow our Sarawak API, the NREB and DOE API,” he said.
He said the public should carefully verify API readings before drawing conclusions, adding that the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website also provided haze information.
“At the moment, Kuching is 173. This changes over time,” he said.
Uggah said the haze situation appeared to be improving but Sarawak would not become complacent and would continue monitoring the situation.
“We expect the situation to at least not get worse,” he said.
He said Sarawak recorded 259 hotspots in August, compared with 7,585 detected in Kalimantan.
Uggah said NREB had been directed to communicate with DOE and convey the matter to the federal ministry in Kuala Lumpur so it could be raised again with the ASEAN Transboundary Haze Committee.
He said the move was aimed at finding ways to address the transboundary haze issue.
Uggah also urged the public to take precautions by wearing masks and avoiding excessive outdoor exercise during the current dry conditions.
On cloud seeding, he said he had spoken to the director general of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) about the possibility of conducting the operation.
He said cloud seeding could be carried out when suitable cloud conditions were present.
“The important thing is that there are clouds,” he said.
Uggah said the state was also concerned over declining water levels in dams and reservoirs amid the dry spell.
Meanwhile, he said Sarawak was maintaining its preparedness for possible fires in Kuala Baram, particularly given the risk of smoke affecting neighbouring Brunei.
He said NREB and DOE were using drones to monitor the situation, while tube wells and community emergency response teams were available to support firefighting efforts.
“Our strategy is always to identify the smoke. When smoke comes out, the effort to extinguish it must be done immediately,” he said.
Uggah said he had briefed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg a few days ago as the Premier was currently in Brunei, where there were concerns over possible smoke from fires in Kuala Baram affecting the country.
He said Sarawak was well-prepared in Kuala Baram, with tube wells available to provide water and community emergency response teams working with the Fire and Rescue Department and Resident’s Office to respond to any fires.
On El Niño, Uggah said the natural phenomenon could not be controlled, making it important for Sarawak to remain prepared for changing weather conditions.
“Climate has changed. Our weather has changed. So, we have to be prepared to face any eventuality,” he said.
