Johor schools to close for 2 days as haze worsens

The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has ordered all schools in the state to close for two days starting October 8 due to worsening air quality and haze. Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali announced the closure as a precautionary measure to safeguard the health and safety of students.

Schools conducting the Year Four Learning Matrix (MPT4) or other assessments will postpone them, with new dates to be determined by the Johor Education Department. Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will continue during the closure to prevent students from falling behind academically. Parents and guardians are advised to monitor their children's health, limit outdoor activities, and ensure adequate hydration.

If children experience symptoms like coughing, sore throat, or breathing difficulties, they should seek immediate medical attention. The state government and relevant agencies will monitor Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, and the closure will be adjusted based on the haze situation's evolution. Naqib acknowledged that the decision may impact working parents and urged employers to provide flexibility where possible. The safety and health of Johor's children are the top priority for all.