Sarawak Ready to Declare Emergency if Haze Reaches Critical Level

Sarawak will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency if haze conditions worsen to critical levels, Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said. The assurance comes as the state maintains established protocols to manage severe air pollution episodes that periodically affect the region. Current guidelines require the closure of public and private sector offices when the Air Pollutant Index (API) climbs above 500, a threshold classified as hazardous to human health. The pre-emptive measure is designed to protect workers and the general public from prolonged exposure to dangerously contaminated air. Sarawak has experienced recurrent transboundary haze in past years, primarily attributed to land and forest fires in neighbouring Indonesian territories during the dry season. The state's multi-level response framework reflects institutional preparedness and represents a coordinated effort between government agencies to protect public health and maintain critical services during environmental emergencies.