Sekolah, institusi pendidikan Johor tutup 5 hari lagi

Johor, Malaysia's Education Chief Naqib Md Ghazali announced that schools and educational institutions across the state would remain closed for an additional five days, starting from Monday, due to deteriorating air quality and weather conditions. The decision was made following a meeting on Tuesday to assess the situation, taking into account air pollution levels, weather forecasts, and health assessments.

The air pollution index (API) readings continue to remain concerning without significant changes. The government's decision was also influenced by the northward wind movement and weather warnings for the next three to four days before deciding to reopen the schools. The move aims to emphasize the Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail's constant emphasis on the safety, health, and welfare of the people, as well as the state government's utmost priority to these aspects.

Home-based learning (HBL) will continue throughout the closure period, following the Ministry of Education's Manual 2.0. However, the needs of students involved in examinations and assessments will be considered with limited exceptions, subject to coordination between Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and adherence to strict health operation standard procedures without any additional activities.

JPNJ will ensure alignment with KPM guidelines daily and obtain the latest updates from the Examination Board to synchronize the examination and assessment schedules between government and religious schools in Johor. He stressed the mandatory use of face masks along with adherence to health guidelines. Regarding the operation of private educational institutions and childcare centers, the decision to continue operations or implement closures rests with each institution, provided they follow the set guidelines, including operating within closed areas and wearing face masks.

Meanwhile, Naqib stated that health authorities have expressed concerns over general public health and urged comprehensive preventive measures against prolonged exposure to air pollution, especially among children and high-risk groups. "In October alone, 30,648 cases of asthma and acute respiratory infections (ARI) were recorded in the state, with a weekly increase of 20.7%," he added.

The state government had previously announced the closure of all schools for two days starting October 8, followed by further school closures, including religious institutions, for five days starting October 12.