Unless specifically directed by the authorities, it is up to your discretion, Uggah tells organisers of events and activities

KUCHING, Aug 30 2026: Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) clarified that the decision to proceed, postpone or cancel events, programmes and activities, whether official, private, community-organised or otherwise, remains at the discretion of the respective organisers, unless a specific directive is issued by the relevant authorities.

Caption: SDMC chairman Douglas Uggah says tSDMC strongly urges organisers and members of the public to carefully consider the prevailing API levels, haze conditions and associated health risks before deciding to proceed with or participate in any activity, particularly outdoor activities.  

Its chairman Douglas Uggah said members of the public likewise have the discretion to decide whether to attend or participate in the light of worsening haze situation in Sarawak.

“However, SDMC strongly urges organisers and members of the public to carefully consider the prevailing API levels, haze conditions and associated health risks before deciding to proceed with or participate in any activity, particularly outdoor activities.

“The relevant health advisories and guidelines for activities during haze conditions have already been issued to the public,” he said, adding that organisers are therefore encouraged to exercise responsibility and sound judgement, including considering postponement, relocation, modification or cancellation of activities where appropriate.

“Where the API exceeds 200, organisers are strongly advised to reconsider outdoor physical activities, sports and strenuous exercise, particularly where participation involves children, elderly persons or other vulnerable groups,” he said.

Uggah said SDMC also encourages members of the public to take proactive preventive measures and follow the health advice of the Ministry of Health (MoH in response to the worsening haze situation.

Members of the public are advised to:

 • Stay indoors as much as possible during periods of severe haze and keep windows and external doors closed;

 • Reduce or avoid outdoor physical activities, strenuous exercise and prolonged exposure to haze; • Where outdoor exposure is unavoidable, use an appropriate N95 respirator;

 • Use the internal air-recirculation setting in vehicles to reduce the entry of polluted outdoor air; • Maintain adequate hydration and good personal hygiene;

• Individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should continue their prescribed medication and ensure necessary medication is readily available; and

• Give particular attention to children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions.

Members of the public are advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience significant breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, chest tightness or chest pain, severe eye irritation, dizziness, confusion or unusual fatigue.

The public is also advised to avoid activities that generate additional smoke, including smoking and open burning, which may further worsen air quality.