KUCHING, Aug 22 — The Sarawak-level National Day Celebration 2026 and two other major events have been postponed as a precaution amid unhealthy air quality in several parts of the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the affected events are the Sarawak Ku Sayang Programme in Mukah from Aug 28 to 30, the state-level National Day celebration in Kapit on Aug 30 and 31, and the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Rumah Mendit Penom in Spaoh on Sept 1.

“The decision to postpone these events was made as a precautionary measure, taking into account the current conditions and the priority placed on public safety and well-being,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s (NREB) Daily Haze Watch, 14 monitoring stations recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at the Unhealthy level as of noon on Saturday, with IPD Serian registering the state’s highest reading of 192.

Other stations recording unhealthy air quality were Kuching (185), Lundu and Lubok Antu (179 each), Samarahan (177), Sri Aman and Sarikei (174 each), Sibu (163), Bintulu and Mukah (157 each), Samalaju (156), Tebedu (153), Miri (151) and Lawas (109).

The remaining four stations recorded Moderate API readings — Kapit (96), ILP Miri (92), Limbang (80) and Bario (60).

Uggah said organisers of other public activities and events, particularly outdoor programmes and mass gatherings, were also advised to postpone them to a suitable date to reduce public exposure to unhealthy air quality.

He said SDMC and the relevant agencies would continue monitoring the hot weather and air quality statewide, particularly in areas recording unhealthy readings, and coordinate appropriate action according to the latest developments.

The public is advised to reduce outdoor activities when air quality reaches the unhealthy level or higher, while children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions should limit their exposure to polluted air.

“Avoid strenuous physical activities and outdoor sports if the haze worsens. If it is necessary to be outdoors, use a suitable face mask to reduce exposure to polluted airborne particles.

“The public should close doors and windows if outdoor air quality deteriorates and monitor the latest readings through official Department of Environment channels,” he said.

Uggah also reminded the public to refrain from open burning, immediately report any fires or open-burning incidents to the authorities, and avoid circulating unverified information. — The Borneo Post