By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 31: Sarawak remains on alert as Serian’s Air Pollutant Index (API) reached 463 at noon today, just 37 points below the 500 threshold for a possible localised haze emergency.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said an API reading of 500 or above could prompt an emergency declaration for the affected area under National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Directive No. 1.
He stressed that any such declaration would be localised and would not cover the entire State.
“If Serian, for instance, reaches 500, we will report it to the federal government, and the emergency would be enforced within that particular area, not throughout Sarawak,” he told reporters after the SDMC meeting here today.
Uggah said there was no need for an emergency declaration yet. SDMC is continuing to closely monitor the situation.
Serian’s noon reading of 463 eased from 475 recorded at 10am but remained in the hazardous category.
Should an emergency be declared, public and private-sector offices, schools and activities in the affected area would be closed, with only essential services allowed to operate.
At noon, six other locations were also in the hazardous category: Tebedu (409), Lubok Antu (387), Lundu (381), Kuching (343), Samarahan (334) and Sri Aman (330).
Sarikei (277), Sibu (228) and Mukah (220) were in the very unhealthy category, while eight other locations remained in the unhealthy category.
For areas recording API readings of 201 and above, he urged the public to wear face masks outdoors, preferably N95 masks.
“Those without access to N95 masks should use at least a 3-ply mask,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah said cases of conjunctivitis and urinary tract infections (UTI) had increased since the first week of August, peaking in the second week.
“Sarawak General Hospital recorded a slight increase in asthma cases during the third and fourth weeks of August,” she said.
The public is also advised to reduce outdoor activity, remain indoors where possible and seek medical attention if experiencing coughing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, severe eye irritation or worsening asthma. — DayakDaily
