Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Queen urges sustained action to shield students from haze exposure
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah has called on the government and private sector to implement long-term strategies protecting students from transboundary haze pollution. The Queen's appeal underscores mounting concern over recurring air quality crises affecting Malaysia's education sector.
LSN Malaysia ·
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 20 — Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has appealed to federal and state governments alongside the private sector to develop comprehensive, sustained measures addressing haze-related risks to student health and education continuity.
Speaking during engagements in Johor Bahru, the Queen stressed the need for coordinated efforts beyond emergency responses, advocating for systematic planning that prioritises student welfare during periods of poor air quality.
The appeal reflects growing concern over seasonal transboundary haze episodes that periodically disrupt schooling across Malaysia and the wider region. Educational institutions have repeatedly faced closures and operational challenges when air pollution indices reach hazardous levels, impacting millions of students nationwide.
The Queen's intervention signals renewed focus on institutional preparedness and inter-agency collaboration required to mitigate recurring haze impacts. Government agencies and stakeholders have been engaged to develop preventive frameworks alongside contingency protocols for schools facing compromised air quality conditions.
Malaysia has long grappled with transboundary haze stemming from regional land-clearing activities, particularly during dry seasons. The recurring phenomenon has prompted calls for enhanced regional cooperation and domestic mechanisms to shield vulnerable populations, particularly schoolchildren.