Kuala lumpur: Further action, including the possibility of declaring a disaster emergency following an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeding 500 in Serian, will be discussed with the Sarawak government, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar mentioned that he had reached out to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to deliberate on the situation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar assured that appropriate safety measures, including the suspension of office and school operations, except for critical agencies, would be implemented should an emergency be declared due to worsening API readings. He emphasized the importance of taking necessary measures, such as cloud seeding, despite the haze situation being linked to developments elsewhere.

Anwar expressed his concern and urged patience, hoping for the safety of the people in Serian, across Sarawak, and in other affected areas. This statement was made during a press conference after performing Friday prayers at the Bukit Indah Mosque in Ampang Jaya.

This morning, air quality in Serian, Sarawak, remained at a hazardous level, with the monitoring station at the local District Police Headquarters (IPD) recording an API reading of 518. The Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) website reported that Kuching also recorded a hazardous reading of 310. Additionally, two other areas in Sarawak were at the "very unhealthy" level, with Samarahan recording a reading of 281 and Sri Aman at 245.