KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has activated the State Disaster Operations command centre including Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Papar, as the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings approaches the “very unhealthy” level of 200.
State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, who is State Disaster Management chairman, said that the action plan in accordance with areas is based on the National Haze Action Plan.
He said that the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was briefed Wednesday (Sept 2) on the deteriorating air quality index and unhealthy readings in the various areas of the state.
As of 5pm on Tuesday (Sept 1), he said the API readings in Kota Kinabalu were 177, Tawau (153), Keningau (165), Kimanis, Papar (166) and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic (153). All were classified as “unhealthy.”
Zainudin said the Chief Minister was also informed that the increase in API readings was influenced by wind movement towards Sabah and was expected to continue rising steadily as long as there was no rain in neighbouring Kalimantan where forest and peat fires are raging.
He said that based on the National Haze Action Plan, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Keningau, Kimanis and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic were all categorised under Alert Level 1A.
“For Alert Level 1A, among the prescribed measures are suspending activities outside classrooms, postponing co-curricular and sports activities, informing the public of API readings and precautionary measures, stepping up enforcement and intensifying monitoring of industries and landfill sites,” he said.
Zainudin said a haze emergency or disaster would be declared when API readings reached 500 and above.
He suggested that official state government activities be cancelled or postponed if the API reading reaches or exceeds 200, while indoor activities would still be allowed.
Zainudin said the state government would also recommend that schools in areas where the API reading reaches or exceeds 200 be closed and switch to home schooling.
“It is proposed that solat hajat be held in every district for Muslims as part of efforts to seek protection and well-being.
“At the same time, houses of worship of other religions are also encouraged to hold appropriate religious activities in accordance with their respective beliefs and practices,” he said.
