KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has called for schools in areas affected by haze to be closed, stressing that the health and safety of students must take precedence.
His Majesty said prolonged Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of between 150 and 180 warranted appropriate measures to protect schoolchildren and other vulnerable groups from exposure to unhealthy air.
“Appropriate measures must be taken by the relevant ministries and agencies to protect schoolchildren and students, including the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses,” His Majesty said in a statement shared on his Facebook page today.
He also called on the Education Ministry to give serious attention to the worsening air quality and take steps to safeguard students.
“Always take precautionary measures to safeguard your health, wear face masks and reduce outdoor activities due to the haze,” he added.
The call comes as haze continues to affect several parts of the country, with elevated API readings prompting concerns over the potential health impact of prolonged exposure, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.
His Majesty also urged the public to take necessary precautions and limit outdoor activities while air quality remains poor.
Yesterday, Johor announced the closure of schools for two days following an order by Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, amid worsening haze and deteriorating air quality across the state.
Authorities continue to monitor air quality nationwide and assess the impact of the haze on public health.
As of today, nine states were recording high API readings, with Kuala Lumpur registering 169 at the time of writing. – October 8, 2026