Uggah said the committee will continue to monitor the API and prevailing conditions, with appropriate measures to be progressively implemented in accordance with the established guidelines as the situation develops. – Bernama photo
 

KUCHING (Aug 30): Sarawak is preparing for a possible declaration of a Disaster Emergency should the current haze situation reaches a critical level, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the committee is already working closely with relevant state and federal agencies, with response measures in place to manage the evolving haze situation.

He said the committee will continue to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) and prevailing conditions, with appropriate measures to be progressively implemented in accordance with the established guidelines as the situation develops.

“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 the National Committee on Disaster Management,” he said in a statement.

According to the Department of Environment’s (DoE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), the latest API readings at 2pm saw IPD Serian recording a hazardous level of 425, followed by Samarahan and Kuching at 336 and 313, respectively while Sri Aman recorded a very unhealthy reading of 241.

Meanwhile, Sarikei (199), Sibu (191), Bintulu (184), Mukah (181), Samalaju (175), Kapit (161), Miri (160), ILP Miri (158) Limbang (107) recorded unhealthy readings.

Uggah, who is Deputy Premier, said under the existing API action guidelines, readings of 301 to 400 are categorised as hazardous, with visibility for work processes to be assessed, headlights used while driving and all persons working outdoors required to use N95 respirators.

For API readings of 400 to 500, outdoor work should be avoided, he added.

He said decisions on whether to proceed with, postpone or cancel events, functions, programmes and activities currently remain at the discretion of respective organisers unless a specific directive is issued by the relevant authorities.

“Members of the public likewise have the discretion to decide whether to attend or participate.

“However, SDMC strongly urges organisers and members of the public to carefully consider the prevailing API levels, haze conditions and associated health risks before deciding to proceed with or participate in any activity, particularly outdoor activities,” he said.

He said the relevant health advisories and guidelines for activities during haze conditions have already been issued to the public.

“Organisers are therefore encouraged to exercise responsibility and sound judgement, including considering postponement, relocation, modification or cancellation of activities where appropriate.

“Where the API exceeds 200, organisers are strongly advised to reconsider outdoor physical activities, sports and strenuous exercise, particularly where participation involves children, elderly persons or other vulnerable groups.”

Uggah reminded the public to stay indoors as much as possible during periods of severe haze, reduce or avoid outdoor physical activities, and use an appropriate N95 respirator where outdoor exposure is unavoidable.

“Members of the public are advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience significant breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, chest tightness or chest pain, severe eye irritation, dizziness, confusion or unusual fatigue,” he said.

He also urged the public to rely on official API readings and announcements issued by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), DoE, SDMC and other relevant authorities, and to avoid circulating unverified readings or information.