Allow staff to work from home, says Johor Umno Youth

Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros has called for employers in Johor to allow their staff to work from home or have flexible hours in light of the extended school closures due to the haze. Azleen argued that while the closures until October 16 were justified, they placed parents in a difficult position. "They are required to go to office, while their children remain at home unsupervised, while their commute to work also exposes them to health risks," he explained.

The Covid-19 pandemic had shown that many industries could remain productive with work-from-home policies, and Azleen suggested a similar approach should be taken now. The state government had announced earlier that schools and other educational institutions in Johor would remain closed for another five days starting Monday due to the haze and declining air quality.

On the day of the announcement, unhealthy air pollution levels were recorded across several areas including Pasir Gudang, Larkin, Tangkak, Segamat, Kota Tinggi, Pengerang, Batu Pahat, and Kluang.