PUTRAJAYA, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) has called on mosques and surau in the Federal Territories to hold solat hajat (special prayers), seeking relief from the haze and protection for residents affected by worsening air pollution in Serian, Sarawak.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the department respected His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s consent to declare a haze emergency in the Serian Division following air pollution levels that posed a threat to public health and safety.
He also called on religious agencies and the public to support mitigation measures and welfare assistance for affected residents, in line with the principles of preserving life and mutual assistance.
“This critical situation calls for Islamic brotherhood and humanitarian values to be translated into concrete action through the swift delivery of assistance and full compliance with safety directives issued by the authorities.
“May this trial strengthen our tawakal and unity, as every effort to save lives is a noble religious trust in His sight,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim consented to the declaration of a haze emergency throughout the Serian Division after air pollution levels reached a stage deemed hazardous to public health and safety.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the decision was made after taking into account advice from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and relevant agencies on air quality in the area.
As of 4 pm today, Serian’s air quality remained at the hazardous level, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at the Serian District Police Headquarters monitoring station reaching 514.
According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System website, Kuching was also at the hazardous level with a reading of 313, while Samarahan and Sri Aman were at the very unhealthy level, recording 288 and 239 respectively.
-- BERNAMA