Kota Kinabalu: Sports associations, academies, clubs, coaches and event organisers in Sabah have been urged to monitor Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and adjust outdoor activities accordingly as haze affects several parts of the State.
Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (pic) said the health and safety of athletes, players and participants should remain the priority, particularly when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
“If conditions are unsuitable, high-intensity activities in open areas should be reduced, postponed or moved to suitable indoor locations,” he said in a statement Monday.
Nizam said Sabah Environment Department (DOE) information indicated that the current conditions were partly due to thick smoke from forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan being carried by winds across Borneo, including Sabah.
He also advised the public, particularly children, youths, senior citizens and those with health or respiratory problems, to reduce outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy and urged the public to refrain from open burning.
