Haze: The Government Will Declare A State Of Emergency If API Reaches 500

Some experts have predicted it may last up until October and by the looks of it, there’s a possibility that it could drag on that long.

But don't worry; if the haze crisis worsens, the government will declare a state of emergency.

According to the Malay Mail, the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment, and Climate Change (MESTECC) stated that if the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings breach the 500 mark, the government will declare an emergency.

The declaration of emergency is part of the National Haze Action Plan, the Ministry revealed.

API readings of 101-200 are considered unhealthy, 201-300 are very unhealthy and any reading beyond 300 is considered hazardous.

The current AQI reading on AirVisual’s index places Kuching at the top spot with 266, with Kuala Lumpur coming in second with an API reading of 187.

Here’s what’s going to come into place if the haze situation deteriorates, according to the action plan:

• API 101-200: All outdoor activities stopped, no open burnings allowed, enforcement increased, and cloud seeding activities will commence.
• API 201-300: Warnings issued to affected areas, all kindergartens and nurseries closed immediately, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) activated for round-the-clock monitoring, all land activities halted.
• API 300-400: Public advised to remain indoors and protect themselves with facial masks when going outside, and all gas-emitting activities restricted including industries.
• API exceeding 500: Nadma will advise government to declare environmental emergency. All non-essential work and activities halted by law.

We shouldn't need to tell you guys to drink more water and avoid outdoor activities.