Sarawak ready to declare haze emergency at critical level

 Deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas says guidelines provide for the closure of government and private-sector offices should air pollution readings exceed 500.

Sarawak deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas said event organisers can decide whether to hold or cancel events, unless the authorities issue a directive. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Sarawak is prepared to declare an emergency should air pollution from smoke haze reach a critical level, after having had to shelve plans for the state-level National Day celebration, deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas said.

Uggah, who chairs the state disaster management committee, said guidelines were in place to deal with the haze, the Borneo Post reported.

“Should the air pollutant index exceed 500, the applicable guideline provides for the closure of government and private-sector offices and workplaces, except essential services, pending declaration of a disaster emergency by the national committee on disaster management,” he was quoted as saying.

The committee was working closely with relevant state and federal agencies, he said.

Uggah also said any decision to proceed, postpone or cancel events remain at the discretion of respective organisers unless a specific directive is issued by the relevant authorities.

“Members of the public likewise have the discretion to decide whether to attend or participate.”

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board, Sarawak is likely to continue to experience haze in the coming days if the biomass burning increases outside the state’s borders.

A haze emergency was previously declared in Kuching in September 1997 when air pollution reading of 650 was recorded.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg had previously said the decision to cancel the state-level National Day celebration was made as the haze had affected large parts of Sarawak. The celebration was initially scheduled to be held in Kapit. - FMT