KUCHING: Only essential services will remain operational in parts of Sarawak hardest hit by the haze if the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) declares an emergency, says Datuk Douglas Uggah.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said this could happen as API readings in some parts of the state had breached the 300 level, which is considered hazardous.
“As the API approaches the critical levels of 400 and 500, SDMC will coordinate with the relevant agencies and will be guided by Nadma and other relevant authorities on further measures.
“Should the API exceed 500, the applicable guideline provides for the closure of government and private sector offices and workplaces, except essential services, pending declaration of a disaster emergency by Nadma,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said coordinated efforts between the relevant state and federal agencies were needed to manage the evolving haze situation affecting the state.
This comes as the API in three areas in Sarawak exceeded the hazardous threshold of 300 yesterday.
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System, the IPD Serian station recorded the highest reading at 436 as of 5pm, followed by Samarahan (337) and Kuching (321).
Uggah, who is also Sarawak Deputy Premier, urged event organisers and the public to consider API readings and health risks before deciding whether to proceed with or participate in outdoor activities.
However, he said the decision to proceed, postpone or cancel outdoor events remained at the discretion of organisers, unless otherwise directed by the authorities.
“Organisers are encouraged to exercise responsibility and sound judgment, including considering postponement, relocation, modification or cancellation of activities where appropriate,” he said.
He added that organisers were strongly advised to reconsider outdoor physical activities, particularly those involving children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups, if the API exceeded 200.
Uggah also advised the public to rely on official API readings and announcements issued by SDMC, the state’s Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the Department of Environment to avoid circulating unverified readings or information.
The public was also reminded to refrain from open burning.
Meanwhile, NREB said the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 12,888 hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, between Aug 1 and 29, compared with only 185 in Sarawak during the same period.
The ASMC also observed moderate to dense smoke plumes drifting northwards of West Kalimantan into western parts of Sarawak.
