Malaysia closes schools in several states, territories due to haze
KUALA LUMPUR: Schools in several Malaysian states as well as its federal and administrative capitals will be closed on Friday, the education ministry said, after smoky haze caused by forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia pushed air pollution to unhealthy levels. The areas affected include the states of Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor on the Malaysian peninsular, as well as the…
On Friday, schools in several Malaysian states, including Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, will be closed due to unhealthy air quality caused by haze from Indonesian forest fires, according to the education ministry. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek made the announcement in a Facebook post.
The education departments and district offices in the affected areas have been instructed to monitor the situation and take immediate action if necessary. The Air Pollutant Index classifies air quality as "unhealthy" from 101 to 200, "very unhealthy" from 201 to 300, and "hazardous" above 300. On Friday morning, 37 areas recorded unhealthy API levels.
Indonesia has been grappling with forest and land fires in several provinces, leading to thick haze that has affected neighboring nations such as Malaysia and Singapore. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had agreed to take necessary steps to combat the haze, and Malaysia is prepared to offer assistance.
Anwar has also requested Malaysia's foreign minister to seek a meeting of ASEAN ministers to coordinate a regional response and support Indonesia's efforts.
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