Malaysian monarchs call for mask use as haze worsens air quality

Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah appealed to the public to protect themselves from the haze that has lowered air quality across Malaysia. Their message, shared via the king’s Facebook account, highlighted the danger of respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, youngsters, and those with existing lung conditions. They urged the use of face masks, adequate water intake, and vigilance over official health alerts.

The couple also suggested limiting outdoor activities when the Air Pollutant Index indicates unhealthy or worse conditions. Smoke from fires in Kalimantan, carried by southwesterly winds, is contributing to haze in Sarawak and parts of Peninsular Malaysia.