KOTA KINABALU, Sept 2 — Sabah has activated its State Disaster Operations Command Centre (PKOB), as well as district-level PKOBs in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Papar, as the Air Pollutant Index (API) rose yesterday.
State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, who is also State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman, said that API readings reached worrying unhealthy levels yesterday in Kota Kinabalu (177), Tawau (153), Keningau (165), Kimanis, Papar (166) and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic (153).
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was informed today 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 Kalimantan,” he said.
Based on the National Haze Action Plan, the API readings were all categorised under Alert Level 1A, which prescribed measures such as 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.
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, although indoor activities would still be allowed.
Zainudin also recommended that schools in areas where the API reading reaches or exceeds 200 be closed and switch to learning from home.
“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.
