His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has called for schools in haze-affected areas to be closed as prolonged unhealthy air pollution levels raise concerns over the safety and health of students nationwide.
The King expressed concern over the deteriorating air quality, particularly in areas where the Air Pollutant Index has remained between 150 and 180 for an extended period.
His Majesty stressed that the health and safety of school children must take priority and urged the Education Ministry to give serious attention to the situation.
“Appropriate measures must be taken by the relevant ministries and agencies to protect schoolchildren and students, as well as the elderly and those suffering from respiratory illnesses,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a social media post.
The King also advised the public to take precautionary measures, including wearing face masks and reducing outdoor activities to minimise exposure to unhealthy air.
His Majesty’s call comes after Johor announced a two-day closure of schools on Oct 7 following a decree by Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail amid worsening haze and declining air quality across the state.
The prolonged haze has heightened concerns over public health, particularly among vulnerable groups, as authorities face growing pressure to implement preventive measures to limit exposure to air pollution.
