KUCHING, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government’s decision to request the declaration of an emergency in Serian is a safety measure to protect residents affected by the haze, which is at a worrying level, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the declaration was necessary as the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in the area had reached 500.
“This emergency is not like the Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the implementation of the emergency will be issued by the authorities in accordance with directives from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), including details on the activities, premises and services that are allowed to operate.
“People in the affected areas are advised to stay at home, reduce outdoor activities and comply with all instructions and SOPs issued,” he said.
Uggah told reporters this after chairing the Sarawak SDMC meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
He also advised those who need to leave their homes to wear suitable face masks, particularly N95 masks or equivalent, to reduce exposure to the haze.
Serian residents were also urged not to panic and to get the latest information only through official channels of the authorities throughout the emergency period.
Today, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to the declaration of an emergency throughout Sarawak’s Serian Division after worsening haze pushed air pollution to a level hazardous to public health and safety.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that the decision was made after considering advice from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and relevant agencies on air quality in the area.
-- BERNAMA