No need to wear mask for the moment-Health Department

21 April 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

KOTA KINABALU-: The State Health Department refers to the volcanic eruption incident involving Mount Ruang on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, which was reported through newspapers and social media on April 16, 2024.

So far, Mount Ruang has erupted six times, with gray to black eruption smoke observed at a height of about 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above the peak, accompanied by rumbling sounds and earthquakes.

According to Datuk Dr. Asits Sanna, the Director of Sabah Health Department, several locations in the nearby islands have experienced volcanic ash rain.

Volcanic eruptions can release hazardous particles such as ash, carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas. The Director-General of the Malaysian Meteorological Department stated that the recorded eruption reached up to 16,764 meters (55,000 feet) in the air.

"However, the Air Pollution Index (API) monitoring does not indicate any impact on air quality at the surface," he said.

His department has conducted a risk assessment and found that there is currently no need to wear face masks in open areas.

However, the public is advised to seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest health clinics and hospitals if they experience respiratory symptoms.

"This department is also monitoring dust-related diseases such as upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, and conjunctivitis in several sentinel health clinics and hospitals in Sabah," he said.

“Therefore, the Health Department advises the public to follow the air quality status reports issued by the Department of Environment at https://apims.doe.gov.my/home.html and take health precautions based on the API in their respective areas.”-ends