Najib declares state of emergency in Muar, Ledang

The government has declared a state of emergency in Muar and Ledang following worsening haze conditions in both districts.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the declaration was made in view of the Air Pollution Index (API) that has surpassed the 500 mark, which is considered as an emergency level.

"I am declaring a state of emergency for the entire Muar and Ledang from the date of this declaration until another declaration for it to be lifted.

“Be clear that this emergency declaration does not involve the curfews and there will be no change in the current state or federal government rule.

“However, all ministries and agencies which are involved in the haze management at the federal, state and district level have to organise and take the necessary steps to ensure that the public health is always taken care of, "he said in a statement today.

Najib also said that there will be guideline about ways to deal with the emergency, which, he stressed, should be followed responsibly by all quarters.

As at 11am today the API reading in Muar sky-rocketed to 690 .

During the haze in 1997, Sarawak's API reading hit 800 and the state was declared as a state of emergency.

Likewise, in 2005, Kuala Selangor and Port Klang was declared as a state of emergency following severe haze in the areas.