Johor Sultan cancels two birthday events as 'rakyat suffering' due to chemical pollution in Pasir Gudang

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has cancelled two events held in conjunction with His Majesty's birthday.

The two events are afternoon tea party and state dinner, which is expected to be held next week.

Sultan Ibrahim decreed that he made the decision for the rakyat as His Majesty was saddened with their suffering due to the chemical pollution in Pasir Gudang.

"Many are suffering because of the pollution caused by irresponsible quarters where some are still being treated at intensive care unit while schools are still closed.

"I cancelled the two events as I do not want to be in the joyous occasion while my rakyat are suffering," His Majesty said in a decree posted on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page here on Tuesday (March 19).

The tea party is scheduled to be held on March 24 while the state dinner is supposed to be held on March 25.

His Majesty also decreed that cancelling the two events would allow volunteers involving departments and government agencies including security teams to focus on the cleaning works at Sungai Kim Kim.

"As we know, they are many volunteers who are also civilian servants and security teams as well as medical involved in the operation and I appreciate their commitment and dedication.

"With that in mind, I feel it is right to cancel the events for the rakyat and volunteer teams that are working round-the-clock," His Majesty added.