Sarawak: An Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 500 will trigger a state of emergency in affected areas in Sarawak, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He stated that the situation would be referred to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in Kuala Lumpur for further action in accordance with disaster management procedures.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Uggah mentioned that should an emergency be declared, all offices as well as public and private sectors in the affected areas will be closed, with only essential services allowed to operate. He addressed reporters after chairing the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) meeting.

Uggah, who also serves as Sarawak JPBN chairman, emphasized that the cross-border haze issue is a regional matter requiring involvement from the governments concerned through established regional and diplomatic channels. He noted that JPBN has reached out to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, deputy chairman of the committee, to address the current situation and facilitate engagement with Indonesia through established ASEAN channels.

JPBN will maintain cooperation with the federal government to ensure Sarawak's concerns are conveyed through appropriate national and ASEAN channels. Any proposal to assist neighboring countries will be considered and coordinated by the federal government through proper governmental and diplomatic channels.

Regarding cloud seeding operations, Uggah indicated that the initiative is expected to be carried out from September 3 to 5, subject to actual weather conditions at the time. He clarified that the operation aims not only to reduce the haze but also to help replenish water resources, including dams and water supply sources, following the current prolonged dry spell.

He reported that four water catchment areas are currently experiencing depletion, specifically in Simunjan, Lingga, Spaoh, and Lijok.