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

KUALA LUMPUR, September 19 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to Malaysians to contribute towards tackling the escalating haze issue, while the government persists in seeking resolutions for the welfare of all citizens. In a Facebook update, Anwar recounted performing special prayers alongside congregation members at Surau Nur Perdana, Putrajaya, after Friday services, beseeching Allah SWT's assistance for the nation to recover from the calamity promptly.

The prime minister also implored the populace to exercise prudence in their energy consumption during this period, stating, "I urge each one of us to manage our energy use as carefully as possible so that we can all contribute, while I, on behalf of the government, remain committed to safeguarding everyone."

Earlier, Dr Zulkifli Hasan, a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department specializing in Religious Affairs, urged mosques and prayer houses nationwide to organize special prayers and supplications for Allah SWT's safeguard against the haze impacting the country. This request followed several areas being affected by the haze, with the public advised to adopt measures to mitigate the health hazards resulting from air pollution.

As per the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System portal, 32 regions across the nation reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings as of 5pm today, Sarawak leading with eight impacted zones: Kuching (174), Samarahan (167), Serian IPD (166), Sibu (162), Bintulu (161), Sarikei (155), Sri Aman (154), and Kapit (153).