KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s air quality is not affected by the Mount Ruang volcanic eruption, said state Health Department director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna.

       He said after conducting a risk assessment, they found that there is no need to mask up when outdoors, but urged those with respiratory problems and related illness to seek medical attention immediately if they show symptoms.

       “The air pollutant index (API) does not show the quality of air affected,” he said in a statement on Saturday (April 20).

       “The Health Department is also monitoring haze-related illness such as breathing problems, asthma, conjunctivitis in some health clinics and sentinel hospitals in the state,” Dr Asits said.

       He urged the public to keep tabs on the latest air quality status at https://apims.doe.gov.my/home.html and to take preventive measures or actions based on the current air pollutant index.

       “Any changes in the air quality will be updated from time to time,” he said.

       The Mount Ruang volcano on April 16 erupted a total of six times.

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       Volcanic eruptions could release dangerous particles such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.