By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 13: The Mayor Walk scheduled for Aug 16 will proceed as planned unless the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) issues a directive to suspend outdoor activities amid worsening haze conditions.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council would leave decisions on activities amid the haze to SDMC, which is coordinating the situation in Sarawak.
He said MBKS would follow any directives issued by SDMC rather than issue separate instructions, to avoid confusion if different local authorities were to impose different measures.
“We wait for their instruction. We do not put out our own instruction because we do not want one council to say this, another council to say that, and the district council makes another ruling,” he told reporters after handing over a recycled wheelchair and customised curtain to Tabuan Jaya Healthcare Clinic here today.
Wee said public health would remain the priority if haze conditions made outdoor activities unsafe.
“No doubt, the T-shirts are already fully taken up. It is a very good response. But when the weather does not allow it, the haze does not allow it, the priority is still public health,” he said when commenting on the Mayor Walk, which is scheduled to be held at the MBKS grounds on Aug 16.
He said the event could be held at another time if necessary.
Wee also noted that today marks the first day of the seventh lunar month, when the Chinese communities traditionally conduct prayers and burn offerings in conjunction with the Hungry Ghost Festival or Zhongyuan Jie.
He said MBKS had chosen not to burn anything during its prayers last night, stressing that leaders should set a good example.
Wee also urged the public to play their part by reducing activities, especially open burning, that could contribute to the haze.
“If everybody follows, then you might be able to reduce the haze. Play your part, do your role,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wee said MBKS would continue assisting the community amid the haze by distributing face masks donated by members of the public to patients, healthcare workers and schoolchildren today. — DayakDaily
