KOTA KINABALU: Air pollutant index (API) readings in some parts of Sabah have gone up again with brush, jungle and open fires continuing.
One of the more badly affected areas was Kimanis, with the API level hitting 163 as of 3pm on Friday (March 22).
The Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu area API reading was 71, followed by Kota Kinabalu at 65, Tawau at 56 and Keningau also at 56.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department, Kimanis and Papar were among dozens of areas with fires still burning as of 2pm.
The other areas include Tambunan, Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Lintas, Kota Belud, Tuaran and Kudat.
Sabah Health Department director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna reminded the people to stay hydrated and refrain from consuming too much caffeinated, sugary and alcoholic beverages.
"Take the effort to rehydrate and drink at least eight cups of water between breaking of fast and sahur time for those who are fasting," he said.
He also reminded the public to watch out for reptiles such as snakes that could wander into cool, shady places such as homes during the hot and dry season.
