Jerebu: Johor lanjut penutupan sekolah 5 hari

Johor has extended its five-day school closure due to haze and deteriorating air quality, announced on October 7. The government extended the suspension from October 12 to October 16 after assessing the air pollution development and the risk of respiratory issues in children and educational personnel. Exco Pendidikan dan Penerangan Johor, Naqib Ghazali, stated this decision based on several key factors from the evaluation of the current situation.

Apart from health risks, the state government considered the Air Pollution Index (API) reported between 170 to 180 and the slow movement of air and less effective atmosphere in spreading pollutants, which could prolong the haze. They also took into account the potential movement of wind from Kalimantan, Indonesia, between October 13 to 15, which could bring secondary air pollution.

The government believes that early preventive measures should be given priority to minimize the risk of prolonged exposure to polluted air. This decision also aims to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment before the start of the school session. The government urges parents and guardians to limit their children's outdoor activities, ensure they drink enough water, and seek immediate medical attention and treatment if they experience persistent coughing, chest pain, or breathing difficulties.

The public is also asked to follow health advice and get the latest information through official channels. On October 7, Johor initially announced a two-day school closure due to haze and deteriorating air quality, ordered by the Senior Advisor to the Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, as a step to protect the safety and health of students from haze.