Johor haze worsens as all monitoring stations record unhealthy API readings

Johor's haze situation worsened tonight as all eight air quality monitoring stations reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, according to a report. The highest reading of 179 was recorded in Segamat, followed by Pasir Gudang at 178 and Larkin at 175. Other stations in Batu Pahat, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Pengerang, and Tangkak also reported API readings of 169 and 168, respectively.

This alarming development prompted the state government to announce that all schools in Johor would be closed for two days, starting tomorrow and on Friday, as a precautionary measure to protect pupils' health and safety. The closure was announced by Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and supported by Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali.

Authorities continue to monitor the API readings as the haze situation evolves. The worsening haze in Johor is part of a broader regional issue, with neighboring Indonesia grappling with the impacts of wildfires. Reports suggest that Indonesia's government has been accused of gross negligence in a lawsuit related to toxic haze originating from wildfires in West Kalimantan.

The lawsuit, filed against President Prabowo Subianto and nine other officials, alleges a failure to prevent and tackle recurring forest and land fires.