Emergency in Serian ends as haze situation improves

The haze emergency in Serian, Sarawak has been lifted after the air quality improved, according to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim. The emergency was declared last Friday when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in Serian crossed into the hazardous range. The decision to end the emergency was made following consultations with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg, and relevant agencies, who reported that the API reading in Serian no longer posed a hazardous level.

However, the haze situation in Sarawak remains somewhat unresolved, with several areas, particularly Serian and Samarahan, still experiencing very unhealthy air quality. The federal and state governments have pledged to continue monitoring the situation, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and follow authorities' guidance.

As of noon today, Samarahan and Serian in Sarawak were the only areas in the country with very unhealthy air quality, with API readings of 236 and 222, respectively. Other areas reported unhealthy, moderate, or good air quality, with Sarawak overall being the most affected state, with nine areas experiencing unhealthy air quality.