INFRAME ASIA, NEWS – Malaysia’s Johor state has ordered all schools to close for two days as worsening haze causes air quality to deteriorate across the region. The closure will take place on October 8 and 9, 2026, as authorities prioritize the health and safety of students. Johor is the first state in Peninsular Malaysia to announce a statewide school closure during this year’s haze episode.
The decision was announced on October 7 following a directive from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. State Education and Information Committee chairman Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the measure was taken as a precaution because air quality had deteriorated across several parts of the state. Authorities will continue monitoring pollution levels during the closure period.
The closure affects all schools across Johor, including thousands of students in government-run educational institutions. Lessons will not stop completely because schools have been instructed to conduct home-based teaching and learning during the two-day period. Students will therefore continue their education while avoiding prolonged exposure to polluted outdoor air.
Schools that were scheduled to conduct examinations or other assessments will also have to postpone them. The rescheduling will be determined by the Johor Education Department and the relevant authorities. School administrators have been instructed to follow further guidance depending on how the air quality develops.
The worst conditions have been recorded in several areas of Johor. Batu Pahat recorded an Air Pollutant Index reading of 203 during the most severe period, placing it in the very unhealthy category. Other locations, including Segamat, Pasir Gudang, Tangkak and Kluang, also recorded unhealthy readings.
The pollution has affected Johor Bahru as well, where haze has reduced visibility across parts of the city. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities and take precautions when air quality deteriorates. The haze has also been visible around major roads and public areas as smoke and pollutants remain trapped near the ground.
The Air Pollutant Index used in Malaysia classifies readings from 101 to 200 as unhealthy. Readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, while levels above 300 are classified as hazardous. The recent readings in Johor have therefore raised concerns about prolonged exposure, particularly among children and people with respiratory sensitivities.
Parents have been urged to monitor their children’s health during the haze. Authorities advised families to reduce outdoor activities, ensure children drink enough water and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as coughing, sore throats or difficulty breathing. Schools and government agencies are also expected to continue monitoring conditions throughout the closure.
The worsening haze has also raised concerns about the wider regional impact of air pollution. Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi has called for ASEAN to take a more active role in addressing the haze crisis. He has also urged the regional bloc to consider an emergency meeting to discuss the deteriorating situation.
The haze is linked to fires affecting parts of Southeast Asia, with smoke crossing national borders and affecting air quality in neighboring countries. Malaysia has previously experienced severe haze episodes caused by fires in the region. The recurring problem has made transboundary air pollution a long-running environmental and public health issue.
Singapore has also experienced worsening air pollution as haze spread across the region. The deterioration has occurred just before the city-state prepares for its annual Formula One weekend, when large numbers of people are expected to gather outdoors. Authorities in Singapore have been closely monitoring air quality as conditions change.
The situation in Johor has also created difficulties for parents who still need to work while their children remain at home. State authorities have asked employers to provide reasonable flexibility where possible. The request is intended to help families manage childcare arrangements during the temporary school closure.
The Malaysian Education Ministry has separately instructed education authorities and schools to take immediate action if haze conditions worsen in their respective areas. Schools are expected to assess local air quality and prioritize the safety of students and staff. Further closures could therefore be considered if pollution levels become dangerous elsewhere.
For now, the two-day closure applies throughout Johor on October 8 and 9. Authorities will continue assessing Air Pollutant Index readings and weather conditions to determine whether the situation improves. Parents and schools are waiting for updated instructions as environmental agencies monitor the movement and concentration of haze across the state.
