Anwar urges Malaysians to manage energy use as haze worsens, says govt seeking solutions

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged citizens to contribute to mitigating the escalating haze crisis, as the government endeavors to find resolutions for the benefit of all. In a Facebook post, Anwar participated in individual prayers (solat hajat) with congregants at Surau Nur Perdana, Putrajaya, after Friday prayers, beseeching Allah SWT’s assistance in swiftly overcoming the calamity.

Anwar also appealed to the public to exercise caution in their energy utilization. "I also urge every one of us to judiciously manage our energy usage at this juncture, so that each individual can contribute their role, while I, on behalf of the government, remain dedicated to safeguarding and protecting everyone," he stated. Prior to this, Dr Zulkifli Hasan, a minister within the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), solicited all mosques and surau throughout the nation to conduct special prayers and solicit supplications for Allah SWT’s safeguard against the haze impacting Malaysia.

This appeal followed the haze encroaching upon numerous regions, with the public cautioned to implement measures to minimize health hazards caused by air pollution. As per the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System portal, 32 locations nationwide reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings as of 5pm on the same day, with Sarawak logging the most affected areas, totaling eight, including Kuching, Samarahan, Serian IPD, Sibu, Bintulu, Sarikei, Sri Aman, and Kapit.