SANDAKAN: With haze from forest and land fires in Kalimantan beginning to affect parts of Sabah, Tanjong Papat State Assemblyman Alex Thien Ching Qiang has called on the public to remain vigilant and urged the Sabah Government and relevant agencies to take early preventive and response measures, particularly to protect children, students and other vulnerable groups.
Thien said Sabah is currently facing more than just a haze issue, as the prevailing hot and dry weather could further increase the risks of forest fires, open burning, haze and pressure on water resources.
He said he had previously raised concerns in the State Legislative Assembly over the potential hot and dry conditions associated with El Niño, and the emergence of regional forest fires and haze now serves as a further warning that these risks should not be taken lightly.
He pointed out that several areas in Indonesia, including West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan, are currently affected by forest and land fires. Dry weather could further increase the risk of fires spreading and haze affecting neighbouring areas.
“Therefore, apart from monitoring the daily Air Pollutant Index (API), we must also pay attention to weather conditions over the coming weeks and even months. We should not treat the current haze situation as merely a one-off environmental issue.”
Thien specifically called on the education authorities, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres to closely monitor local air quality and make appropriate adjustments to outdoor activities according to prevailing conditions.
He said children are among those more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, and if air quality deteriorates, outdoor sports, lessons, assemblies and other non-essential outdoor activities should be reduced or suspended where necessary.
“Schools and kindergartens should not wait until the Air Pollutant Index reaches a very unhealthy level before making preparations. They should respond proactively according to changes in air quality and put the health and safety of students and children first.”
He also advised community organisations and event organisers to exercise greater caution when organising outdoor activities during the current hot, dry and hazy conditions, and to consider adjusting the timing, location or format of activities where necessary.
Meanwhile, Thien reminded the public to avoid all forms of open burning during the current dry conditions, including the burning of rubbish, leaves, garden waste and other materials.
He said that while part of the current haze originates from fires outside Malaysia, local communities also have a responsibility to avoid creating additional smoke and fire risks.
“During a dry period, even a small fire can potentially spread quickly. Everyone must play their part in preventing fires and worsening the haze situation.”
He urged members of the public to report cases of illegal open burning to the relevant authorities so that enforcement agencies can take timely action.
Thien also advised the public to reduce unnecessary outdoor activities during hazy conditions, take appropriate precautions when going outdoors based on air quality levels, and maintain adequate hydration.
He said children, senior citizens and individuals with respiratory or heart-related conditions should pay particular attention to their health.
“Anyone experiencing persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, severe eye irritation or other unusual symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and not ignore the warning signs.”
Thien said the potential impact of El Niño, including prolonged hot and dry conditions, should not be underestimated, and called on the Sabah Government and relevant agencies to strengthen inter-agency coordination and preparedness.
This should include continued monitoring of air quality, fire hotspots and forest fires, as well as preparedness in areas such as firefighting, public health, school activities and water resource management.
“Haze is only one of the problems we are seeing at the moment. Behind it are a series of interconnected risks involving drought, high temperatures, forest fires and water supply.”
“The government must take a more proactive approach and prepare in advance, rather than waiting until the situation becomes serious before taking action.”
“I hope the current haze situation will serve as a reminder that we need to start preparing now. Before the weather conditions worsen, we should take all the necessary preventive measures that are within our control.”
