Malaysia shuts schools amid toxic haze from Indonesian fires
Toxic smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has pushed air pollution to unhealthy levels, prompting authorities in Malaysia to take emergency measures.
Malaysian authorities closed schools across the nation on Friday due to hazardous haze originating from nearby Indonesian forest fires. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek instructed state and district education departments to monitor the situation closely and take immediate action if necessary. The minister provided details on which schools would be fully closed and which would operate partially in five states and two federal territories.
Air quality in Kuala Lumpur remains unhealthy, ranking the city as one of the most polluted in the world according to Swiss air-quality monitor IQAir. Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim recommended closing schools when air-quality readings reach 150 or higher on the Air Pollutant Index (API), with readings above 300 deemed hazardous.
Kuala Lumpur's API reading stood at 170 on Friday. The city, located 1,200 kilometers from Indonesia, is currently the world's second most polluted city after Singapore. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's agreement to address the haze issue, though no further details were provided.
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