World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Haze closes schools in Johor while some events continue
Smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia has spread across South-east Asia, worsening air quality in Johor, Malaysia.
Authorities closed schools after pollution readings reached unhealthy levels, and Johor has extended its school shutdown until Oct 16.
Some weekend activities, including football matches and night markets, have continued.
The haze has also reduced visitor numbers and sales for some businesses.
Residents have raised concerns about their health and safety because the smoke can make visibility poor.
Pasir Gudang recorded Malaysia’s highest pollution reading at the time on Oct 9, while air quality in Sarawak has improved to a moderate level.
Some schools in Melaka, parts of Perak and Kuala Lumpur are set to reopen on Oct 12 as air quality improves.
Worsening haze in Johor led authorities to close schools and curb some outdoor activities.
The state extended its school shutdown until Oct 16, affecting more than 617,000 students across 1,198 schools.
Some weekend events, including football matches and night markets in Johor Bahru, continued.
The haze is linked to forest and peatland fires in neighbouring Indonesia, with dry weather worsening the spread of smoke.
Residents and businesses in Johor reported poor visibility and weaker sales.
- Who
- Johor residents, businesses and students are affected, while state authorities ordered school closures.
- What
- Haze prompted school closures and limits on some outdoor activities, but some football matches and night markets continued.
- When
- School closures began in parts of Johor on Oct 6 and were extended until Oct 16.
- Where
- Johor, Malaysia, including Batu Pahat, Pontian and Pasir Gudang.
- Why
- Smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, worsened by dry weather, caused unhealthy air quality.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Business has always been slow, you know we earn RM50 (S$15.70) to RM70 a day, we’re happy enough, but now it’s RM10 to RM30? It’s really bad,
I’m concerned too, about my health, my children’s health and my safety,
Sarawak declared an emergency in Serian district after the Air Pollutant Index reading reached 521.
Schools in Batu Pahat were ordered shut after API readings exceeded 200.
Johor’s top education official announced a two-day closure of all 1,198 schools in the state.
The federal government extended school closures to several other areas, and three siblings died in a motorcycle collision in Pontian.
Pasir Gudang recorded a nationwide-high API reading of 190 at 5pm.
Johor’s extended school shutdown was due to continue until this date.
- Johor schools
- 1,198 schools; more than 617,000 students affected
- Johor shutdown
- Extended until Oct 16
- Batu Pahat
- Schools closed Oct 6 after API readings exceeded 200
- Pasir Gudang
- API reading of 190 at 5pm on Oct 9
- Serian, Sarawak
- Emergency declared Sept 4 after API reached 521
Sources
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