CYBERJAYA, Aug 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on the public to pray for an abatement of atmospheric haze, as he expressed hope that air quality would improve so the upcoming national day celebrations to proceed smoothly.

Seasonal haze, caused by regional land-clearing fires, frequently affects air quality across South-east Asia during the dry season, posing risks to outdoor public gatherings and public health. 

Some observers said the current haze is one of the worst the country has ever seen in a decade.

“We pray to almighty god that the haze remains under control so that the celebrations can take place,” Anwar said at Telekom Malaysia’s 80th anniversary celebration here.

Putrajaya is evaluating whether to alter the scale or venue of its main National Day celebrations on August 31 due to worsening haze levels across the country, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said earlier this evening.

The Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, will determine any adjustments following consultations with environmental, meteorological, health, and education authorities.

Fahmi added that officials are also reviewing safety plans for the National Day Eve festivities scheduled for August 30 at Kuala Lumpur’s Dataran Merdeka.