Sabah activates disaster centres as haze worsens
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has activated the State Disaster Operations Command Centre (PKOB), as well as district-level PKOBs in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Papar, as air pollutant index (API) readings approached 200.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has put the State Disaster Operations Command Centre and district-level PKOBs in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Papar on standby as air quality deteriorates. State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman informed Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor of the situation today. The plan, aligned with the National Haze Action Plan, is region-specific.
As of 5pm yesterday, pollutant index (API) levels stood at 177 in Kota Kinabalu, 153 in Tawau, 165 in Keningau, 166 in Kimanis, Papar, and 153 at the Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic, all classified as "Unhealthy." Based on the National Haze Action Plan, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Keningau, Kimanis, and the Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic were designated as Alert Level 1A.
At this level, schools should suspend outdoor activities, co-curricular and sports events, inform the public of API readings and precautionary measures, tighten industry and landfill site enforcement, and intensify monitoring. If API levels reach 500 or above, a haze emergency or disaster declaration would be made. Zainudin suggested canceling or postponing official state government activities if API readings hit or exceed 200, allowing indoor activities.
Schools in affected areas with API readings exceeding 200 are recommended to close and move to home-based learning. Solat Haji, a communal prayer, is proposed in every district for Muslims as part of seeking protection and well-being. Religious activities in houses of worship from other faiths are encouraged according to their beliefs and practices.
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