Malaysia Closes Schools as Deadly Smog Breaks Pollution Record
Story By Staff Reporter
Schools in several parts of Malaysia closed on Friday (Oct 9). Thick haze has pushed air quality to unhealthy levels across the country.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek listed the affected areas on Facebook on Thursday. They include Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya also shut their schools. In addition, schools in Pahang’s Rompin district closed.
Fadhlina told state and district education offices to keep watching the haze. She also asked them to act immediately if conditions worsen.
She admitted that the closures disrupt family routines. Therefore, her ministry will announce future closures early. Parents will then have enough time to prepare. Above all, she said, the health and safety of children and teachers come first.
How Malaysia Rates Air Quality
Malaysia uses the Air Pollutant Index (API) to measure pollution. Readings from 101 to 200 mean “unhealthy.” Readings from 201 to 300 mean “very unhealthy.” Anything above 300 is “hazardous.” On Friday morning, 37 areas recorded unhealthy levels, according to government data.
National Sports Day Events Delayed
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) postponed Saturday’s National Sports Day celebrations in seven states and territories. These are Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Kedah, Penang, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca. However, events in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will go ahead as planned.
The ministry will announce new dates later. First, air quality must return to safe levels for outdoor activities. The ministry made this decision after talks with government agencies. It wants to protect participants, organisers and the public from health risks. It also apologised for the inconvenience.
Closure Rules and Home Learning
The Star reported on Thursday that schools must close when the API passes 180. They must also close when it stays above 150 for three days in a row.
Ministry director-general Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry followed the Malaysian king’s advice. As a result, schools in affected areas will close, especially where readings have stayed between 150 and 180 for long periods. He thanked the king for his concern for students’ health.
Affected schools must now teach from home. Mohd Azam said schools should keep lessons going in suitable ways. They should consider students’ abilities, internet access and needs. They should also consider how ready teachers are. Teachers and support staff may work from home during the closures.
Furthermore, the ministry will keep monitoring the situation. It will also consult the Health Ministry and other agencies to protect students and staff.
Johor Closes All Schools for Two Days
Johor closed all its schools for two days starting Thursday. State official Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said on Wednesday that the government understands the burden on working parents. Nevertheless, he said the closures protect children’s health.
Johor is the first state in Peninsular Malaysia to order closures this haze season. Earlier on Wednesday, authorities closed about 300 institutions in Batu Pahat district. There, the API reached the “very unhealthy” range.
Naqib said the state will postpone any assessments planned during the closure. The Johor Education Department and other parties will make the final decisions. He added that the safety of Johor’s children must be a shared priority.
Regional Response
Indonesia continues to struggle with forest and land fires in several provinces. Consequently, thick haze has drifted across the border into Malaysia and Singapore.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to take the necessary steps. Malaysia stands ready to help. In addition, Anwar asked the foreign minister to push for a meeting of ASEAN ministers. The meeting would coordinate a regional response and support Indonesia’s efforts.
