Jakim organises special prayers as haze blankets Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR — The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will hold special prayers tonight as haze continues to blanket the country, creating hazardous air quality conditions in major cities and towns.

The Solat Hajat, a special supplicatory prayer in Islam, is being organised as a spiritual response to the environmental crisis engulfing Malaysia and neighbouring countries. The prayers seek divine intervention in resolving the air quality emergency affecting millions of residents.

The haze has prompted authorities to monitor air quality indices closely, with several areas reporting unhealthy pollution levels. Schools and offices in affected regions have advised residents to remain indoors and wear protective masks when venturing outside.

Transboundary haze from land clearing and forest fires in the region has been a recurring seasonal problem, with Malaysia frequently affected during dry weather periods. Environmental agencies have urged neighbouring countries to intensify efforts to curb open burning activities that exacerbate the regional air pollution crisis.

Government agencies continue to work alongside international partners to address the root causes of the transboundary haze while ensuring public health measures are in place to protect Malaysian residents from harmful air pollutants.