Agong Consents to State of Emergency in Serian As Haze Reaches Dangerous Levels, 647 Schools to Close

In a Facebook post today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, had consented to the declaration of emergency after considering advice from Anwar, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and relevant agencies on the area’s air quality.

He said that the declaration will allow more effective measures to be taken to protect the health and wellbeing of affected residents.

Government to step up monitoring, mitigation efforts

Anwar also said the government will continue monitoring the situation and ensure necessary measures are implemented promptly, including mitigation efforts as well as providing the public with health information and advice.

Serian among worst-affected areas

According to Sinar Harian, Serian is among the areas worst affected by the haze in Sarawak, with air quality continuing to deteriorate as smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, drifts across the border.

The smoke has blanketed several parts of Sarawak, particularly areas located near the Malaysia-Indonesia border.

The situation in Serian became increasingly alarming after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at the Serian district police headquarters monitoring station surpassed 500, reaching 521 at 2pm on Friday, placing the area in the very hazardous category.

647 schools to close for five days

According to a report by Berita Harian, 647 schools under the Sarawak State Education Department (JPN) will close from 7 to 11 September. This includes 563 primary schools and 84 secondary schools. Home Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will take place during this period.

Also Read: Serian Air Pollution Hits Critical Levels As API Reading Exceeds 500, Emergency Could Be Declared