Emergency remains: Uggah says Serian still under haze alert despite API improvement

KUCHING, Sept 5 — Despite improvements in its Air Pollutant Index (API), Serian continues to be under a haze emergency, according to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC). SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reported that the API reading in Serian was 334 at 10am, classifying the area as hazardous, but it dropped to 273 by 2pm, moving it to the very unhealthy category.

Uggah stated that the SDMC would monitor the API over the next three days to observe any fluctuations, especially the risk of it rising above 500. The monitoring comes before any recommendation to the Sarawak Premier and Prime Minister about the emergency status in Serian. Despite the emergency, Uggah mentioned that government and private offices, industries, plantations, construction sites, and quarries may continue operating in Serian, but with mandatory health precautionary measures.

The SDMC continues to closely monitor air quality, weather conditions, hotspots, and haze movement across Sarawak, urging the public to avoid outdoor activities and wear appropriate masks. The SDMC remains vigilant and committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people of Sarawak.