Johor schools to remain closed for another week

The Johor state government announced that public and religious schools in the region will continue to be closed for an additional five days starting Monday due to poor air quality caused by haze, according to executive councillor Naqib Ghazali. The decision was made by the Johor haze management coordination committee, which will reassess the closure based on air quality, weather forecasts, and health assessments.

The committee's statement highlighted that air pollution levels remain concerning and have shown no significant improvement. The committee's decision also considers wind patterns and weather forecasts for the next three to four days before determining when schools can reopen. The move aligns with guidelines from Johor's Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, demonstrating the state government's dedication to safeguarding public health and safety.

The committee will review the latest information from the Examination Board to coordinate examination and assessment schedules for both public schools and religious institutions. While private schools and childcare centers have the discretion to decide whether to remain open or closed, health authorities have expressed worries about the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to air pollution, particularly for children and vulnerable groups.