Malaysia lifts state of emergency in Serian district
Malaysian authorities have lifted the state of emergency in the Serian district of Sarawak state after air quality indicators improved, although haze from fires continues to pose a health risk. This was reported by Channel NewsAsia, citing the country’s Prime Minister’s Office.
Pollution index declined
The state of emergency was imposed on Friday, when thick haze caused by fires in the Indonesian part of Borneo island pushed air pollution levels to dangerous values. Malaysian authorities classify air pollution index readings above 300 as hazardous, while 500 is the threshold for declaring a state of emergency.
In Serian, the pollution index stood at 222 on Monday, compared with 519 on Friday, according to data from the Department of Environment. Sarawak has been particularly affected by fires in Kalimantan, and the haze has led to school closures in some areas of the state.
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Warning for residents
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar agreed to end the state of emergency on the advice of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg. The decision was also based on reports from government agencies that air quality in Serian was no longer at a hazardous level.
At the same time, the Prime Minister’s Office said that the haze situation has not yet fully improved. Air quality remains at a very unhealthy level in several areas, including the Serian and Samarahan districts. Federal authorities and the Sarawak government will continue to monitor the situation, while residents of affected areas were advised to limit time outdoors and follow the authorities’ instructions.
