Johor:Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has provided 73,000 face masks to be distributed to district offices and police personnel in Johor as the state grapples with haze.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 48,000 face masks were allocated to 10 district offices, with each office receiving 4,800 masks. Additionally, 25,000 masks were given to the Johor police contingent. The distribution is aimed at frontline workers operating outdoors amid the haze in Johor.

The handover ceremony was officiated by Johor State Secretary and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ) Deputy Chairman II Datuk Mohammed Ridha Abd Kadir, along with YRZSNJ CEO Hishamuddin Abd Rahim. Johor State Financial Officer and YRZSNJ Honorary Treasurer Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman also attended the ceremony.

The face masks intended for the police were received by Johor Deputy Police Chief DCP Hoo Chuan Huat, while district officers received the masks for their respective offices. Hoo expressed gratitude for the Queen's concern for the safety and health of frontline workers, stating that the masks will be immediately distributed to personnel on field duty, particularly at the 13 district control centres for haze across the state.

As of 6 pm today, 26 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy air quality levels, with Johor being the most affected by the haze. Pasir Gudang had the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 184, followed by Larkin (183), Pengerang (172), Kota Tinggi (167), Batu Pahat (162), Tangkak (158), Kluang (156), and Segamat (152).