Haze: Haze emergency to ensure safety and health
The Star, 25 Jun 2013
PETALING JAYA: The “haze emergency” is different from the “emergency declaration” under the Constitution, said the National Security Council (NSC).
The council said an emergency declaration is declared when it involves public security and there is a need for a curfew.
“In the haze emergency declared for Muar and Ledang districts, the public can still go about their daily activities but must adhere to guidelines and advice issued by the Government from time to time,” it said in a statement yesterday.
It said the haze emergency was declared to ensure the public’s safety and health.
The council added that the haze emergency was made with the consideration of the complexities and magnitude of the disaster, level of destruction, the resources including financial, human resources and equipment, need for expertise, aid and the time needed to manage the disaster.
It was referring to the status declared for the two districts after the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeded 700 in these areas on Sunday.
The council added that the haze emergency was declared by the exclusive decision of the Prime Minister as provided in the laws and regulations and in the NSC Order No. 20.
