By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: Sarawak’s air quality remains in the healthy to moderate range statewide despite the ongoing hot and dry weather, says Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, said that based on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of yesterday (July 31), most areas in the State recorded healthy air levels, with the highest reading at only 73.
“So far, the readings show that our air quality is moderate and healthy. We hope this continues.
“As for today, we are still monitoring the situation, but Kuching looks good as well,” he told reporters when met after officiating Kuching City’s 37th anniversary celebration at Pengkalan Sapi here today.
He added that SDMC held a meeting yesterday and instructed all District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) chairpersons to mobilise their respective task forces and activate all available resources under their disaster response mechanisms.
“The objective is to ensure close monitoring. If there are any signs of fire, immediate and swift action must be taken to prevent it from spreading further,” he said.
Uggah also disclosed that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) had revoked all open burning permits statewide two weeks ago, meaning open burning is now strictly prohibited. – DayakDaily
