Four Areas In Sabah Record Unhealthy API Readings

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Four areas in Sabah recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 6 pm today, with Kota Kinabalu recording the highest reading at 154.

Sabah Department of Environment (DOE) director Nor Rashidah Mohd Ghazali said Kimanis also recorded an API reading of 152, followed by Keningau at 103 and Tawau at 102, while Sandakan remained at a moderate level with a reading of 81.

She said reports from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the open burning prevention patrols conducted today showed that no major fires had been detected or reported in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Sandakan and Tawau.

Due to the hot and dry weather conditions, the DOE would step up enforcement and daily patrols in areas prone to open burning, while continuing to monitor API readings from time to time.

She added that 474 open burning prevention operation (OMPT) patrols had been conducted to date, with today’s patrols covering Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Sandakan and Tawau, particularly in sensitive areas and locations near air quality monitoring stations.

The department also advised the public against open burning and to regularly monitor the latest API readings through the DOE website or the official MyJAS EQMS application.

Under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, individuals convicted of committing open burning offences can be fined between RM25,000 and RM1 million, or imprisoned for up to five years, or both.

Under the National Haze Action Plan, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres will be closed immediately once the API reading reaches 200.

-- BERNAMA