KUCHING: The ongoing haze has disrupted Sarawakians’ lives as people adjust their outdoor routines while school events are postponed.
In Serian, which continued to record the nation’s highest air pollutant index (API) readings, vegetable trader Gilbert Wilson said his sales were affected by the hazy conditions.
“People are reluctant to venture outdoors because of the haze, so fewer customers have come to buy vegetables.
“The vegetables also wilt and spoil faster in these conditions,” he said.
Gilbert added that the air smelt of smoke while the hot weather made the conditions even more uncomfortable.
“I have to take multiple showers to stay cool,” he said.
Market trader Azrin Kasim said the unpleasant hazy conditions made it difficult for people to go about their daily routines.
“If you go outdoors, you can smell the haze in the air. Students are wearing masks to go to school,” he said.
Serian recorded an API of 190 at 2pm yesterday, one of 11 areas with unhealthy air quality in Sarawak.
The other areas are Samarahan (169), Kuching (165), Bintulu (159), Samalaju (155), Mukah, Sibu, Sri Aman (all 154), Sarikei (153), Miri (146) and ILP Miri (123).
An API reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, while 301 and above is hazardous.
Construction company Hock Seng Lee Bhd (HSL) is paying close attention to the haze, especially for employees who work outdoors.
Its safety, security, health and environment manager Charles Lee said employees with respiratory or other health concerns were encouraged to minimise outdoor exposure and work indoors where practical, or adjust their activities accordingly.
“During periods like this, safety personnel must communicate closely with the human resources department,” he said.
Lee added that supervisors were expected to be more attentive, respond according to conditions on the ground and take appropriate measures to protect colleagues as the situation changes.
Meanwhile, the state Education Department has postponed the Sarawak Schools Sports Council’s (MSSS) athletics championships due to the unhealthy air quality in Samarahan.
The event, scheduled for Aug 10-14 at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Stadium in Kota Samarahan, will now take place on a later date to be announced in due course.
“We prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of all athletes and education staff involved in the championships,” the department said.
