KUCHING: His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has consented to the declaration of an emergency throughout the Serian Division in Sarawak following the worsening haze situation, which has reached hazardous air pollution levels that pose risks to public health and safety.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, the decision was made after taking into consideration the advice of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, and relevant agencies regarding the air quality situation in the affected area.

The statement said necessary and more effective measures would be taken to protect the health and wellbeing of affected residents.

It also stated that the Government would continue to monitor the haze situation from time to time to ensure all necessary actions could be implemented promptly, including mitigation measures as well as the dissemination of information and health advice to the public to help protect affected residents.

The emergency declaration covers the entire Serian Division following air pollution levels that could affect public health and safety. -UKASnews