Serian haze emergency: DOE ramps up monitoring, enforcement

KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DOE) has intensified air quality monitoring and enforcement following a haze emergency declaration in Serian, Sarawak, where the Air Pollutant Index (API) soared to 477. Deputy Director-General Azuri Azizah Saedon announced that monitoring and field operations will be bolstered under the National Haze Action Plan and Nadma Directive No. 1 on disaster management.

She emphasized that the DOE is responsible for environmental quality monitoring, prevention, and enforcement under environmental laws, while disaster management will be handled collaboratively with the state government and relevant agencies. Several areas in Sarawak, including Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman, also reported very unhealthy API levels, while 18 other areas nationwide recorded unhealthy readings.

The DOE has intensified patrols for open burning prevention at high-risk sites, such as peatlands, forests, landfills, and agricultural areas. They are closely monitoring two peatland bush fires in Mukah, covering 10 and three hectares, respectively. Drone flights will be employed to obtain the latest overview of the situation. The public is encouraged to report any fire or open burning incidents immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department through 999 or the DOE's toll-free line 1-800-88-2727.