By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 30: Any decision on whether Sarawak should declare a haze emergency should be directed to State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
In a TVS news report, he said his focus at present was on public health and measures to protect the community from the effects of the worsening haze.
“Matters relating to a possible haze emergency declaration should be referred to the JPBNS chairman. I can only comment on matters related to medicine and health,” he told reporters after attending the PUBG MOBILE OOOHAAA Sarawak 2026 Activation Tour: 21st and final stop at Batu Kawa Innovation Hub here today.
Dr Sim said SDMC had its own standard operating procedures (SOPs), including specific thresholds for activating further measures should the situation deteriorate.
Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and other relevant government agencies had been asked to reassess outdoor work and prioritise only essential tasks to minimise workers’ exposure to the haze.
“We need to address the problem at its source. Even if rain falls, it may only provide temporary relief and the haze could return if the source of the problem is not addressed,” he said.
The Deputy Premier also called for greater cooperation from all parties, including neighbouring countries, to tackle the causes of transboundary haze.
He said climate change had made the risk of forest fires and open burning more complex, with the resulting impact capable of crossing national borders.
“Sarawak is prepared to provide assistance if required, while also ensuring that activities within the State do not contribute to worsening haze conditions,” he added. — DayakDaily
