World · Malaysia Bureau
Sarawak Government Prepared to Declare Emergency if Air Pollution Index Exceeds 400
Sarawak's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister has confirmed the state is ready to invoke emergency measures should air quality deteriorate further. Currently, only Serian district is experiencing dangerous pollution levels, with three other major areas classified as unhealthy.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Sarawak government stands prepared to declare an emergency situation if the Air Pollution Index (API) surpasses the 400-point threshold, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said today.
Kurup indicated that air quality monitoring across the state has identified varying levels of concern. Serian district is currently the only area recording a dangerous API level, while Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman are all classified at the unhealthy stage.
The government's contingency plans underscore growing concerns about air pollution in the region, particularly during periods when haze and transboundary smoke may impact air quality. An API reading of 400 or higher is considered hazardous to health and warrants emergency protocols.
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor daily API readings issued by the Department of Environment and continue taking precautionary measures to protect their health during periods of poor air quality. Authorities have not indicated any immediate escalation of alert levels across other districts at this time.