SULTAN of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed concerns over the escalating air pollution in Balok Baru triggered by the massive fire at a coconut plantation near the KuantanSungai Ular bypass here.

The Comptroller of Istana Pahang, Major-General Datuk Mohamed Zahari Yahya, in a statement, said the ruler advised all outdoor activities, especially those involving schoolchildren, to be temporarily suspended due to health concerns.

“Residents living in the affected and surrounding areas, especially those with respiratory conditions, have to be extra careful not to be directly affected by the air pollution,” read the statement.

“The public is cautioned not to conduct any open burning, especially during the current hot weather and windy season.”

On Monday, huge clouds of thick smoke billowing into the sky from the massive blaze saw the nearby Balok Baru area recording an Air Pollution Index reading of 251, which is considered “very unhealthy” by the Department of the Environment.

It was reported that firefighters in the state are attempting to douse the fire at a coconut plantation near the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, which was caused by the recent heat waves. The fire broke out on Feb 22.