Hajiji Advises Safety Of The People Is Priority

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said Sabah is closely monitoring the effects and impacts of Indonesia’s Mt Ruang volcanic eruptions.

"I have been briefed about the situation and we are keeping tab. Safety is priority and it is important that we prioritise the safety of the people,” said Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, 18 April 2024, following suspension, cancellation and rescheduling by airlines of all their air flights into and out of Sabah.

Airlines cancelled or rescheduled all their flights following red alerts issued by aviation authorities including from the Indonesian and Malaysian sides. More than 20,000 passengers were affected following the suspension of all scheduled flights coming in and out of airports in Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Tawau and Sandakan on 18 April 2024.

The crater of Mount Ruang in Indonesia erupted four times on 17 April 2024, with red flames and lava spewing into the air, against a backdrop of lightning bolts, and smoke bellowing 2 km into the skies and smoke and ashes drifting south-westerly.