{
  "id": 15227905,
  "title": "Johor schools to remain closed for another week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/johor-schools-to-remain-closed-for-another-week-15227905",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T15:36:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/17/johor-schools-to-remain-closed-for-another-week"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Johor's public and religious schools will remain shut for an additional five days starting Monday due to poor air quality caused by haze, according to the state government. Executive councillor Naqib Ghazali announced the decision, which is subject to changes based on air quality, weather forecasts, and health assessments. The extended closure aligns with a directive from Johor's Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and emphasizes the state's commitment to public health and safety. The haze management coordination committee will review updates from the Examination Board to adjust examination and assessment schedules for schools. Meanwhile, private schools and childcare centers are free to continue or cease operations as they see fit. Health authorities have warned about the risks of prolonged exposure to air pollution and urged more robust preventive measures, especially for children and vulnerable groups. Over the past month, Johor has seen a 20.7% increase in asthma and upper respiratory tract infections cases, totaling 30,648.",
  "summary": "The decision was made by the Johor haze management coordination committee, says executive councillor Naqib Ghazali.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Johor schools to remain closed for another week",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/johor-schools-to-remain-closed-for-another-week",
        "published": "2026-10-17T15:36:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}