Kuala lumpur: 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. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Department of Environment (DOE) director Nor Rashidah Mohd Ghazali reported that Kimanis also recorded an API reading of 152, followed by Keningau at 103 and Tawau at 102, while Sandakan maintained a moderate level with a reading of 81.

Reports from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the open burning prevention patrols conducted today indicated that no major fires had been detected or reported in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Sandakan, and Tawau. The DOE plans to increase enforcement and daily patrols in areas prone to open burning due to the hot and dry weather conditions, while continuing to monitor API readings regularly.

A total of 474 open burning prevention operation (OMPT) patrols have been conducted to date, with today's patrols focusing on 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 encouraged regular monitoring of 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 face fines ranging from RM25,000 to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Additionally, under the National Haze Action Plan, schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres will be closed immediately if the API reading reaches 200.