BEAUFORT: The air quality in Papar, Kuala Penyu and here recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) of 161 as of 11am.
A Sabah Environment Department spokesman said the readings at three districts were measured using a portable machine.
The state Education Department had also ordered 83 primary and secondary schools in the districts to be closed today.
Beaufort district officer Mohd Shahid Othman said firemen were putting out bush and forest fires.
“We will have meeting with relevant agencies if the situation worsens.”
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu recorded second highest API at 60 as of 11am.
The state capital and nearby towns Telipok and Bandar Sierra appeared hazy in the morning.