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, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said he had contacted Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Thursday (Sept 3) to discuss the matter.

He also 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.

"We will take all necessary measures, whether cloud seeding or other actions, even though this (haze situation) is the result of developments elsewhere.

"We have to bear the consequences and be patient for a while. I pray for the safety of the people in Serian, across Sarawak and in other affected areas,” he told a press conference after prayers at the Bukit Indah Mosque in Ampang Jaya on Friday (Sept 4).

This morning, air quality in Serian, Sarawak, remained at a hazardous level, with the monitoring station at the local district police headquarters recording an API reading of 518.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims) website, Kuching also recorded a reading in the hazardous range at 310.

Two other areas in Sarawak were at the "very unhealthy" level: Samarahan (281) and Sri Aman (245). – Bernama