KUCHING (Sept 7): The emergency declaration in Serian division has been lifted effective today following the latest assessment of the haze situation.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the lifting of the emergency declaration was made with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.

“As at 2pm today, the Serian air quality monitoring station recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 245, within the very unhealthy category.

“The API reading has, however, shown a downward trend over the past three days,” he said in a statement.

Uggah, who is Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the haze situation remained influenced by wind direction and hotspot activity, with several areas, particularly Serian and Samarahan, still recording very unhealthy API levels.

“The federal and Sarawak governments will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We advise the public to take the necessary precautions, including limiting outdoor activities and following the advice of the relevant authorities,” he said.

Earlier today, His Majesty consented to the termination of the emergency declaration in Serian division, which was imposed following the haze situation.

The Prime Minister’s Office in a statement said the consent was given after taking into consideration the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the views of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as well as reports from relevant agencies.