AQUAMS | Air Quality Monitoring In Schools

Introduction

There is a need to provide access to information on air quality surrounding our local communities - first step for action.

The "Air Quality Monitoring in Schools" (AQUAMS) Project is a collaborative initiative involving the Environment Protection Department Sabah (EPD), United Nations Children's Fund Malaysia (UNICEF), Kinabalu Coders, Kinabalu Makers Sdn Bhd, and Siung Films.

The project's main objective is to implement an air quality monitoring system in schools to gather data on air quality.

It aims to raise awareness about air quality, analyze data, develop policies, and conduct capacity-building workshops. By utilizing the expertise of various partners, the project seeks to create a healthier learning environment and promote environmental consciousness within the community.

Five pilot schools were chosen to be project sites for AQUAMS device deployment. The schools are St. Michael Penampang, SMK Agama Tun Ahmadshah Kota Kinabalu, SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli, Sekolah Indonesia Kota Kinabalu, and SK Buang Sayang Papar.

Problem Statements

1. Action plans for the Sabah state policy on the environment. Air quality and climate change are the two key environmental concerns.

2. Air pollution in Sabah. Issues such as emissions from industrial and transportation activities, and transboundary pollution due to biomass burning.

3. Air pollution in Malaysia. After Indonesia and Thailand respectively, Malaysia is ranked as the third highest country for pollutant emissions in Southeast Asia.

4. Sources of air pollution. Major sources of pollution - Power plants (85%), motor vehicles (10%), industrial activities (3%) and other sources (2%).

Objectives

There is a need to provide access to information on air quality surrounding our local communities - first step for action.

1. To establish a community-based air quality monitoring programme, more specifically in selected schools in Sabah.

2. To raise the awareness of air pollution issues as well as various environmental issues in Sabah including waste management, water pollution.

3. In line with UNICEF’s proposal for a regional collaboration in technical support, data sharing and monitoring and advocacy and the development of a regional action plan on children’s environmental health.

4. In line with Sabah State Policy on the Environment which states that a State-wide climate and air quality monitoring programme should be implemented, to safeguard the air quality from deteriorating due to activities within the State.

Flowchart

How AQUAMS work.

1. AQUAMS devices are installed in selected schools. Each device is equipped with sensors that can measure air quality data. The devices are powered by solar panels.

2. All data is collected and sent to our server on the cloud for storage. Data are kept in the cloud and can be accessed anytime from this portal.

3. The data collected can then be analyzed and visualized by students, teachers, researchers and the general public.

4. The AQUAMS team continuously works to improve the system and add new features from time to time.

Vitalis J. Moduying

Director of Environment Protection Department Sabah

Greetings From The Director Of Environment Protection Department Sabah

The “Air Quality Monitoring in Schools (AQUAMS Project)” was launched by the Environment Protection Department Sabah and UNICEF on 30 September 2022. The project aims to establish a community for citizen science as part of a collaborative, comprehensive and transparent air quality monitoring network that consists of selected schools in Sabah for effective and efficient measures against air pollution.

This programme aims at raising the awareness on air pollution issues as well as various environmental issues in Sabah including waste management, water pollution, amongst others.

The development of AQUAMS Portal is timely and acts as a platform for students and communities to easily access real-time data about the air quality in the school vicinity. By providing information at their fingertips, we empower students and communities to take proactive steps to protect the environment and health to create a conducive learning environment.

I hope that this portal will be beneficial to students and many others, and will act as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions to address air pollution issues.

By providing them with the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions about their environment, we empower them to become ambassadors for change, spreading awareness and inspiring others to take action.

“Together for a Better Environment!”

Thank You

Greetings from the UNICEF Malaysia

Have you thought about air quality and its impact on health? According to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index 2021, approximately two billion children or ninety percent of children globally are highly exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. In Malaysia, children are consistently breathing in air almost four times the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value.

We can’t place a filter around children at every moment to combat air pollution, but we can put some control back in their hands.

The "Air Quality Monitoring in Schools" (AQUAMS) Project is a collaborative initiative with the objective of implementing an air quality monitoring system in schools to gather data on air quality. Students who are part of the programme in Sabah have an important role to play as agents of change in schools and communities in the fight against air pollution.

Air quality data from 5 stations in schools in Sabah are now available via the AQUAMS portal. With easy access to air quality data from the air quality monitoring sensors in schools, students (and others involved in ensuring their well-being) are equipped to make healthier decisions. The AQUAMS portal is a gateway to knowledge and action.

We hope that students and their communities will embrace this opportunity to become citizen scientists: to collect real-time data, learn about air pollution and lead the way towards solutions. We hope that the knowledge gained about air pollution and other environmental issues will be shared with friends and family. Together, we can create a world that’s cleaner, greener, and full of endless possibilities.

We hope that with the AQUAMS programme, every child in Sabah will be able to breathe clean air.

“For Every Child, a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment”.