Haze: All Johor schools to close for two days starting tomorrow by Regent’s decree over unhealthy API

Johor's Regent has ordered all schools in the state to close for two days starting tomorrow due to an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) and prolonged haze. Dr Muhammad Naqib, chairman of the Johor Education and Information Committee, announced the closure affects 617,258 students across 1,198 schools under the Education Ministry's administration.

The measure is a precautionary step to protect students' safety and health. Schools participating in the Year 4 Learning Matrix or undergoing assessments will see their proceedings postponed and rescheduled, pending directives from the Johor Education Department and relevant authorities. During the closure, Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR) sessions will continue.

The government urges parents to grant flexible work arrangements to affected parents or guardians, appreciating such understanding. It also advises monitoring children's health, ensuring they stay hydrated, and limiting outdoor activities. If symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath arise, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Earlier, Johor reported unhealthy API readings, ranging between 161 and 197, from eight monitoring stations, with Batu Pahat experiencing the worst with a reading of 197 in the morning.