The Sabah state government has activated Disaster Operations Command Centres in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Papar in response to deteriorating air quality, with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings nearing the "very unhealthy" threshold of 200. The move was announced by State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, who also chairs the State Disaster Management Committee.
According to Zainudin, the rise in haze levels is attributed to wind patterns carrying smoke from ongoing forest and peat fires in neighboring Kalimantan. He noted the situation is expected to worsen unless there is significant rainfall in the affected Indonesian region.
Under the National Haze Action Plan, five locations—Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Keningau, Kimanis, and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic—have been placed under Alert Level 1A. Measures outlined for this alert level include suspending outdoor classroom activities, postponing co-curricular and sporting events, issuing public advisories on current API readings, increasing enforcement efforts, and intensifying monitoring of industrial and landfill sites.
Zainudin emphasized that a haze emergency or disaster classification would be triggered only if API readings reach or exceed 500. In the interim, he recommended that official state government functions be cancelled or postponed if the API hits or surpasses 200, although indoor activities may continue with precautions. The state government is also considering closing schools in these areas and shifting to home-based learning as an additional safeguard.
In addition to administrative actions, Zainudin proposed that religious communities hold special prayers for protection amid the haze crisis. He specifically mentioned solat hajat for Muslims across districts, while encouraging other faith groups to conduct appropriate ceremonies in line with their traditions.
As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, API levels stood at 177 in Kota Kinabalu, 153 in Tawau, 165 in Keningau, 166 in Papar, and 153 at Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic. All locations were categorized within the "unhealthy" range, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance and community cooperation.