KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- 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 today.
Sultan Ibrahim also urged the public to take health precautions, including wearing face masks and reducing outdoor activities.
Yesterday, Johor announced a two-day closure of schools on the decree of Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail following worsening haze and air quality across the state.
According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), 38 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy API readings as of 9 am today.
Segamat, Johor, recorded the highest reading at 187, followed by Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (183).
Other affected areas included Johan Setia (178), Shah Alam (170), Banting (167), Klang (166), Petaling Jaya (165) and Kuala Selangor (155), all in Selangor.
-- BERNAMA