Pahang Sultan orders special prayers in mosques for Sarawak's haze to clear

The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has directed that special prayer sessions, known as 'solat hajat,' be held in all mosques throughout the state. The purpose is to implore divine assistance for the betterment of the severe haze affecting Sarawak.

The Pahang Royal Court issued a statement highlighting the Sultan's decree, which underscores the importance of combining spiritual supplication with practical efforts to combat the haze. This environmental issue poses a significant threat to the health and general welfare of the populace. The Sultan also advised residents in Sarawak to adhere strictly to all directives and recommendations issued by state authorities concerning safety and health during the haze.

Recent reports indicate a slight improvement in air quality in some parts of Sarawak. The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at the Serian District Police Headquarters, for instance, dropped to 190 as of 9 a.m. on the day of the report, down from 227 the previous evening. This shift moved the air quality in the area from the 'very unhealthy' category to merely 'unhealthy.'

Despite this localized improvement, data from the Malaysian Air Quality Management System (APIMS) portal shows that ten other areas in Sarawak continue to experience unhealthy air quality. These include Kuching (182), Samarahan (177), Sarikei and Sri Aman (173), Sibu (161), Bintulu (157), Samalaju and Mukah (156), as well as Miri and Bukit Rambai in Melaka, both at 151.