Johor bahru: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, today instructed that the Johor Family Day Carnival, scheduled for Sept 16, be postponed to a suitable date following the worsening haze situation in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Her Majesty instructed that the carnival be held when air quality improves. Her Majesty advised the public to take precautionary measures, especially senior citizens and children, as well as those suffering from respiratory health problems. Although Her Majesty's intention is to provide a space for the people to create memories in conjunction with Malaysia Day, she emphasized that the health of the people cannot be risked. Her Majesty expressed hope that the carnival will be held when air quality returns to a good level.

The carnival, inspired by Her Majesty and organised by the state government and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ), offers the public an opportunity to enjoy themselves with their families and children in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

Several districts in Johor recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings today, including Johor Bahru, with readings as high as 162 in Pasir Gudang and 159 in Larkin.