Kota kinabalu: Sabah recorded one area with unhealthy air quality, namely Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, as of 5 pm today. Sabah Department of Environment (DOE) director Nor Rashidah Mohd Ghazali reported that the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at this location was 142.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the unhealthy air quality was first observed at noon, while five other areas recorded moderate air quality readings. These areas include Kota Kinabalu with an API of 97, Kimanis at 95, Keningau at 93, Tawau at 79, and Sandakan at 78.

A report by the Singapore-based ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on August 29 indicated that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 20 satellite imagery had detected two hotspots in Tuaran and Kota Belud. However, current observations show no hotspots at these locations, as fires have been extinguished. To date, a total of 474 patrols have been conducted under the open burning prevention operations (OMPT).

Nor Rashidah Mohd Ghazali also reminded the public to avoid open burning and ensure that their land is not misused by others for such activities. Under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, those convicted of open burning offences face fines ranging from RM25,000 to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The public is urged to assist in extinguishing small fires and to report open burning or fire incidents to the Fire and Rescue Department at 999 or the DOE toll-free line at 1-800-882727.