State of haze emergency in Serian Division will remain in force until further notice, says Uggah

KUCHING, Sept 6 2026: The state of haze emergency in Serian Division, declared on Sept 4, will remain in force until further notice, although the air quality in the division has improved from very hazardous to unhealthy categories.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says there is a downward trend for the API level in Serian

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said as at 12noon today, the Serian air quality monitoring station recorded an API of 185.

“With the API at 185, Serian is at unhealthy category. There is a downward trend for the API level in Serian as we enter the second of three days of monitoring,” Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said in a statement.

He added the API is primarily affected by the wind direction and sources of hotspots.

“Therefore, SDMC will continue to monitor the haze situation before any recommendation is submitted to Premier Abang Johari Openg and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the status of emergency in Serian,” Uggah said.

He added that government departments, private sector offices and other workplaces in the affected area, including industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries are allowed to continue its operations, but must take health precautionary measures.

Uggah also said that the data by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on Sept 5 showed that there was no hotspot detected in Sarawak, but 184 hotpots detected in Kalimantan.

He said METMalaysia has reported that relatively dry weather conditions are forecast from Sept 6 to 12, 2026.

Woman in Bau dies after losing consciousness after experiencing shortness of breath

BAU, Sept 6 2026:  A 34-year-old woman died after experiencing shortness of breath before falling and becoming unconscious at her home in Kampung Bidi, Jalan Krokong, last night.

Caption:Bau police says 34-year old woman dies loses consciousness after experiencing shortness of breath

According to TV Sarawak (TVS), Bau District police chief Superintendent Mohd Haide Abdul Rahman said the incident occurred at about 9pm when the victim was reported to be experiencing shortness of breath before collapsing in the kitchen of the house.

The victim was then taken by her family members to the Bau Hospital Emergency Unit for treatment, he was quoted as saying today.

"However, the victim was confirmed dead by medical officers at 10.09pm.

"The results of the initial police examination of the body found that there were no suspicious injuries or criminal elements detected," he said in a statement today, according to TVS.

He said, based on information from family members, the victim had a history of health problems and regularly sought follow-up treatment at Bau Hospital.

He said the victim's family also did not suspect any criminal elements in connection with the woman's death.

The victim's body will undergo an autopsy to identify the exact cause of death.

"The case is classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR) and further investigations are still underway," said Mohd Haide.

The police chief advises the public not to make any speculation that could cause confusion and to give the authorities time to conduct an investigation.-

SEB sets up grievance mechanism for customers to seek clarification or review of their electricity bills

KUCHING, Sept 6 2026: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has established grievance mechanism that provides customers with a clear and transparent avenue to seek clarification or request a review of their electricity bill.

Caption: Syarikat SESCO chief executive officer Yusri Safri advises the customers to raise their concerns through SEB’s existing customer service channels, where each case will be assessed individually based on its circumstances.

Yusri Safri, chief executive officer of Syarikat SESCO Berhad, said  the setting up of the grievance mechanism follows SEB acknowledging  the concerns raised by customers over recent electricity bills, particularly cases involving unexpectedly high amounts.

“A sudden increase in a bill can understandably cause concern, especially for households and businesses managing their monthly expenses,” he said in a statement.

He advised the customers to raise their concerns through SEB’s existing customer service channels, where each case will be assessed individually based on its circumstances.

“As part of the review, SEB will examine the account history, billing records and available meter information to establish how the amount was derived.

“The relevant information and findings will be explained to the customer seeking clarification,” he said, adding that customers who wish to seek a further review the amount charged can submit an appeal together with relevant supporting evidence for SEB’s consideration.

Yusri also stressed that each appeal will be considered based on the circumstances of the individual case, with the outcome for the decision properly communicated to the customer.

“There are several reasons why a customer’s electricity bill may be higher than usual,” he explained, stating that these may include accumulated arrears from prolonged non-payment or irregular payment, prolonged estimated billing, as well as meter tampering or other meter irregularities.

It also said that a higher bill may occur when an actual reading becomes available after a period of estimated billing, as consumption that was previously under-recorded may then be reflected in the subsequent bill.

“At the same time, SEB recognises that there may be instances of meter reading or billing discrepancies,”he said, explaining that any such issue identified during the review will be investigated and addressed accordingly.

He advised customers who may face difficulty settling arrears, an instalment payment arrangement can be offered if an amount remains payable following a review or appeal, to help ease the immediate financial burden.

He said the customers with billing concerns are encouraged to use the grievance mechanism available through its customer service channels for clarification, review or further assistance.

Customers may contact Sarawak Energy through the following channels:

• Customer Care Centre: 1300-88-3111

• Email: customercare@sarawakenergy.com

• SEB cares mobile app or chat with virtual agent Carina

• Visit the nearest Sarawak Energy customer service counter.