Serian town unusually quiet amid thick haze and emergency declaration

Serian town experienced an unusually quiet atmosphere on September 5, as thick haze and an emergency declaration impacted daily life. The streets, typically bustling on weekends, were notably empty, with residents citing health concerns as the primary reason for the subdued mood. The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal had dropped from hazardous levels above 500 to 334, indicating a slight improvement.

Despite this, residents expressed concern for their health and the well-being of their children. School closures added to the anxiety, with families relying on local traders for their daily income. The hazardous haze has also hampered motorcyclists' ability to navigate the town safely. A local mother of one noted that even though the weather had slightly improved, the town remained much emptier compared to a typical weekend.