KOTA KINABALU: Sports associations, academies, clubs, coaches and programme organisers have been urged to adjust outdoor training and activities according to current Air Pollutant Index (API) readings amid worsening air quality in Sabah.
State Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Titingan said the health and safety of athletes, players and participants must be prioritised as several areas, including Tawau, Semporna and Kota Kinabalu, recorded unhealthy air quality.
"If conditions do not permit, high-intensity activities in open areas should be reduced, postponed or moved to suitable indoor locations," he said in a statement today.
Based on current data from the Sabah Environment Department, Kota Kinabalu recorded the highest reading at 171, followed by Kimanis and Keningau at 156 each, while Tawau recorded 132. Sandakan recorded an API reading of 91, which is categorised as moderate.
Nizam said the situation was partly caused by thick smoke from forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, which was carried by winds towards Borneo, including Sabah.
He also said public, particularly children, youths, senior citizens and those with health and respiratory problems, to reduce physical and outdoor activities when air quality reached unhealthy levels.
Nizam also urged the public not to carry out open burning, which could further worsen air quality.
"Any incidents of open burning or fires should be reported immediately to the authorities so that action can be taken," he said.
Comments
Post a Comment