Sabah activates state and district disaster command centres as API readings rise to unhealthy levels

Kota Kinabalu, September 2 — In response to rising Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, Sabah has activated its State Disaster Operations Command Centre and district-level centers in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Papar. State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, who chairs the State Disaster Management Committee, reported that API readings in Kota Kinabalu (177), Tawau (153), Keningau (165), Kimanis, Papar (166), and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic (153) reached unhealthy levels.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was briefed on the situation, noting that the increase was due to wind movement towards Sabah and expected to continue rising without rain in Kalimantan. The National Haze Action Plan categorized the API readings as Alert Level 1A, which includes measures like suspending outdoor activities, postponing co-curricular and sports events, informing the public, and stepping up industry and landfill site monitoring.

Zainudin warned that a haze emergency or disaster would be declared when API readings reach 500 and above, suggesting school closures if readings exceed 200, allowing indoor activities. He also recommended solat hajat in each district for Muslims and encouraged other religious houses to hold appropriate activities.