PMO: King approves end of emergency declaration in Serian

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today approved the end of the state of emergency in the entire Serian division, Sarawak, which was declared last Friday, following the haze situation.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that the decision was made after taking into account the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as well as relevant agencies which showed that the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the area were no longer at dangerous levels.

“However, the haze situation in Sarawak has not yet fully recovered and the API readings in several areas, particularly Serian and Samarahan, are still at very unhealthy levels.

“The Federal Government and Sarawak State Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities and always comply with the authorities’ instructions,” the PMO said in a statement today.

As of 8am this morning, Samarahan is the only area in Sarawak to record an API reading at a very unhealthy level, which is 226.

According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, a total of 40 areas nationwide recorded readings at unhealthy levels, 24 areas at moderate levels and two areas at good levels. — Bernama