KUCHING: Three major programmes involving public gatherings scheduled to take place in Sarawak in the near future have been postponed following the current unhealthy air quality conditions.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the decision was made as a precautionary measure, taking into account the current situation and prioritising public safety, health and wellbeing.
"In this regard, the Sarawakku Sayang Programme scheduled for 28 to 30 August 2026 in Mukah, the Sarawak State-Level National Day Celebration 2026 scheduled for 30 to 31 August 2026 in Kapit, as well as the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Rumah Mendit Penom, Spaoh, scheduled for 1 September 2026, are postponed," he said in a media statement issued by SDMC on Saturday.
He added that the postponement was made following continuous monitoring of the hot weather situation and air quality throughout Sarawak.
Based on the hot weather report updated on 22 August at 8 am, 18 monitoring locations recorded PM2.5 readings ranging between 68 and 190.
Of these, 11 locations recorded readings at the Unhealthy level, six locations at the Moderate level and one location at the Good level.
The highest reading was recorded at IPD Serian (MCAQM) at 190, followed by Kuching and Lubok Antu at 181 each, Lundu (179), Samarahan (177), Sri Aman (174) and Sarikei (172).
Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah advised that activities or events involving members of the public, particularly those held in open areas and involving crowds, should also be postponed to a more suitable date as a measure to reduce exposure to polluted air.
The public is also advised to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when air quality readings are at the Unhealthy level or higher. -UKASnews
