Johor schools to stay closed until Friday

Johor's schools and educational institutions will remain closed for another five days starting from Monday due to transboundary haze and deteriorating air quality across the state, according to the education ministry. Schools in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will continue operations as normal on Tuesday as air quality remains under control in those regions.

The decision to keep Johor's schools closed was made by state executive councillor Dr Naqib Ghazali, who said it was ordered by the Johor regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, to protect students' health and safety. Early preventive measures are being prioritized to minimize the risk of prolonged exposure to polluted air. Home-based teaching and learning will be implemented to ensure lessons can continue uninterrupted.

Unhealthy air quality readings were recorded today in eight locations in Johor, including Pasir Gudang, Larkin, Tangkak, Segamat, Kota Tinggi, Pengerang, Batu Pahat, and Kluang. The education ministry will continue to monitor air quality in the state. The ministry previously directed school closures in areas where air pollution readings exceeded 180, while those with readings above 150 were to close from October 12.