KUCHING: The public in Sarawak are urged to remain vigilant and comply with advice from the authorities following the current haze situation affecting the state.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the current haze situation is believed to be influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, but it is expected to be temporary.

“I mean, we are quite affected by the haze this time due to the El Niño phenomenon, so let us remain cautious.

“As for the haze, I think this time it is not as severe as before, in my opinion, and it is only temporary,” he said during a press conference following the Groundbreaking Ceremony of HMI Medical Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching at The NorthBank, Tabuan, here on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Premier, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, when met by reporters, stated that the public must obtain accurate information and adhere to guidelines issued by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) based on current air quality levels.

According to him, his ministry will collaborate with SDMC on health aspects to ensure appropriate actions can be coordinated alongside relevant agencies.

“So, the Premier of Sarawak has asked Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, to look into this matter from the SDMC perspective, because this committee coordinates with all other agencies.

“It cannot involve just a single agency alone because aspects of health, education, and so forth need to be addressed together,” he explained.

In relation to this, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim advised the public to constantly follow the latest developments and obtain official advice from SDMC, particularly regarding outdoor activities when air quality reaches unsafe levels. — UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Muhd Zulfadhli Ahmad Sharir
Translator: Ryan Lim