His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has consented to the declaration of an emergency in Serian, Sarawak following a worsening haze situation that has pushed air pollution to extremely severe levels.
The Prime Minister’s Office said 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 the deteriorating air quality in the district.
“More effective measures will be taken to protect the health and welfare of affected residents,” the PMO said in a statement.
It added that the government would continue monitoring the situation closely and ensure all necessary measures were implemented promptly, including mitigation efforts and the dissemination of health information and advice to the public.
As of 2pm today, Serian’s Air Pollutant Index (API) stood at 521, remaining at the hazardous level amid the worsening haze.
Kuching was the only other location recording hazardous air quality, with an API reading of 311, according to the Department of Environment’s (DoE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
Two other locations recorded very unhealthy readings — Samarahan at 284 and Sri Aman at 235.
Meanwhile, 11 locations recorded unhealthy air quality: Sarikei (182), Sibu (181), Mukah (177), Bintulu (157), Kota Kinabalu (152), Tawau (151), Samalaju (146), Sandakan (140), Pasir Gudang in Johor (128), Segamat in Johor (115) and Miri (112).
Under the API classification, readings of 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and readings above 300 hazardous.
API readings are updated hourly using data from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide.
Readings above 500 indicate extremely severe pollution and may prompt immediate emergency action by authorities, depending on the circumstances.
