Serian: The Department of Environment (DOE) will raise air quality monitoring and preparedness to the highest level following the declaration of a haze emergency in the Serian Division, Sarawak, after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reached a hazardous level of 477 tonight.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, DOE Deputy Director-General (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon stated that the department would enhance monitoring and field operations in line with the National Haze Action Plan (NHAP) and NADMA Directive No. 1: National Disaster Management Policy and Mechanism. She emphasized that the DOE's jurisdiction involves environmental quality monitoring, as well as the prevention and enforcement against open burning and pollution sources subject to environmental laws.

Azuri Azizah Saedon mentioned that disaster management efforts would be coordinated with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the state government, and other relevant agencies according to their respective roles and jurisdictions. Apart from Serian, three other areas in Sarawak, namely Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman, recorded very unhealthy API levels of 299, 286, and 247, respectively. An additional 18 areas across the nation also reported unhealthy API readings.

To combat the situation, DOE Sarawak has intensified the Open Burning Prevention Operation (OMPT) through targeted patrols at high-risk locations such as peatland, forests, landfill sites, and agricultural areas. The department is closely monitoring peatland bush fires at Jalan Sibujaya Barat and Sungai Nai, Daro, in Mukah, covering 10 hectares and three hectares, respectively. Drone flights will be conducted to obtain the latest monitoring overview of the affected regions.

The public is urged to report any fire or open burning incidents immediately to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department via 999 or the DOE's toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727 for prompt action.