KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has called for students' safety and health to be prioritised amid the haze affecting the country.
His Majesty also advised that schools in affected areas be closed, particularly where Air Pollutant Index (API) readings remain between 150 and 180 for prolonged periods.
"The Education Ministry must take this matter seriously. Appropriate measures must be taken by the ministry and relevant agencies to protect students, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses," His Majesty said in a post on Facebook on Thursday (Oct 8).
Sultan Ibrahim also urged the public to take health precautions, including wearing face masks and reducing outdoor activities.
On Wednesday (Oct 7), Johor announced a two-day closure of schools on Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail's decree following worsening haze and air quality across the state.
According to the Environment Department's Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims), 38 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy API readings as of 4pm on Thursday.
Segamat, Johor, recorded the highest reading at 190, followed by Seremban in Negeri Sembilan (187), Kluang, Johor (181) and Rompin, Pahang (178). – Bernama
