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

Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is shrouded in haze as the Air Pollutant Index reached unhealthy levels of 148 to 169 in the city and surrounding areas, as seen from the Bukit Tunku Viewpoint, on September 17, 2026. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Saturday, 19 Sep 2026 9:34 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the people to play their part in addressing the increasingly worrying haze situation, while the government continues to seek solutions in the interest of all.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said he also performed special prayers (solat hajat) with members of the congregation after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana, Precinct 10 in Putrajaya, yesterday, seeking Allah SWT’s help for the country to recover from the disaster soon.

The prime minister also urged the public to use energy wisely.

“I also want to urge all of us to manage our energy consumption as prudently as possible at this time so that each of us can play our part, while I, on behalf of the government, continue to work to safeguard and protect everyone,” he said.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan called on all mosques and surau nationwide to hold special prayers and offer supplications for Allah SWT’s protection from the haze affecting the country.

The call follows haze affecting several areas, with the public advised to take measures to reduce health risks arising from air pollution.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System portal, 32 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings as of 5pm today, with Sarawak recording the highest number of affected areas at eight, namely Kuching (174), Samarahan (167), Serian IPD (166), Sibu (162), Bintulu (161), Sarikei (155), Sri Aman (154) and Kapit (153). — Bernama