KUCHING: Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has urged Sarawakians to take precautions against current hazy conditions in the state.
The Sarawak Premier said although the current haze was not as bad as on previous occasions, the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon must be considered.
"Now we are affected because of El Nino, so we need to take heed. Hopefully this is temporary," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of Regency Specialist Hospital here on Monday (Aug 10).
Abang Johari added that the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chaired by Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah would coordinate the state government's response to the situation.
Nine areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings on Monday (Aug 10), with Serian recording the highest of 182 at 1pm.
This was followed by Samarahan at 165 and Kuching with 164, while the other areas were Sibu and Mukah (157 each), Bintulu, Sarikei and Sri Aman (152 each) and Samalaju (151).
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Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian called on the public to adhere to any guidelines issued by the SDMC during the haze.
For instance, he said all outdoor activities will be stopped once the API reaches the very unhealthy level of 200 and above.
"It's important for everyone to know what the healthy and unhealthy levels are.
"Once it reaches certain levels, SDMC will make an announcement and the public should abide by it for their own health," he told reporters at the same event.
However, Dr Sim advised those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma to refrain from outdoor activities immediately.
He also urged everyone to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
"This is not the first time we have haze. Unfortunately, we cannot choose the situation, and it may get worse due to climate change," he added.
