Kuantan: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has raised concerns regarding the air pollution affecting the Balok Baru area. The Sultan’s call to action emphasizes the importance of precautionary measures for residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to mitigate the impact of the pollution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Major General Datuk Mohamed Zahari Yahya, the Comptroller of the Royal Household of the Sultan of Pahang, conveyed the Sultan’s message urging residents to suspend outdoor activities temporarily. This measure is particularly important for school students to prevent potential health complications.

A significant factor contributing to the pollution is a fire in a coconut plantation near the Kuantan-Sungai Ular Bypass Road. This incident resulted in an air pollution index (API) reading of 251, classified as very unhealthy, recorded at 2 pm yesterday. The API level has since reduced to 188, placing it in the unhealthy category as of 9 am today.

The Sultan also advised against open burning practices, particularly under the current hot and windy weather conditions, to avoid exacerbating air quality issues.