General : Haze: Drop In API Readings At Six Stations Throughout Sabah - DOE

Air quality in Sabah has shown signs of improvement today, with six monitoring stations recording lower Air Pollutant Index (API) readings compared to yesterday, although four stations still remain at unhealthy levels. Sandakan experienced the most significant decrease, with the API dropping from 151 to 93, returning it to the moderate category.

Tawau also saw an improvement, with the API falling from 103 to 98. Other stations, including Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, Kota Kinabalu, and Kimanis, also experienced reductions in API levels. The Sabah Department of Environment (DOE) reported no major fire incidents around Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Sandakan, and Tawau, based on reports from local authorities and DOE patrols.

Satellite imagery from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) confirmed no hotspots in Sabah yesterday, although 780 active hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and 142 in Sumatra on September 2. The DOE remains vigilant, prepared to increase enforcement and daily patrols in areas prone to open burning, having conducted 502 Open Burning Prevention Operation (OMPT) patrols to date.

The public is advised against open burning and urged to monitor the latest API readings via the DOE website or the official MyJAS EQMS application.

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