All schools in Johor to close for two days amid worsening haze

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 OCTOBER 2026 —

Johor declares two-day school shutdown as haze crisis worsens, API hits ‘very unhealthy’ levels

All schools in Johor will close for two days starting Thursday (Oct 8) as the state government acts on worsening haze conditions, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) in Batu Pahat reaching 203—the highest in Malaysia—placing it in the "very unhealthy" range. The decision, announced by Johor Education Department director Naqib Abdul Rahman, marks the first statewide school closure in Peninsular Malaysia during this year’s haze season, following earlier localized shutdowns in Batu Pahat.

The move shows the escalating public health threat posed by transboundary haze, which has forced authorities to prioritize student safety over academic schedules. Naqib acknowledged the disruption to working parents, urging employers to provide flexibility, while confirming that assessments would be postponed and home-based learning would continue during the closure. "The safety and health of Johor’s children must be our shared priority," he said, reflecting growing regional concern over prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality.

The API readings across Johor on Wednesday underscored the severity of the crisis, with Segamat (171), Pasir Gudang (171), Tangkak (168), Kluang (166), Larkin (162), Kota Tinggi (160), and Pengerang (156) all recording "unhealthy" levels, according to the New Straits Times. The API scale categorizes readings above 200 as "very unhealthy," while levels exceeding 300 are classified as hazardous.

Batu Pahat’s API peaked at 203 on Tuesday night, surpassing the national threshold and triggering the state’s first district-wide school closure on Wednesday before expanding statewide.

Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi has escalated the issue to a regional level, calling on ASEAN to convene an emergency meeting to address the haze crisis. In a statement issued Wednesday evening, he emphasized the need for "effective cooperation, prevention, monitoring, and response" to mitigate the impact on affected populations.

The appeal came during a meeting with Indonesian Consul General Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, signaling a push for cross-border coordination amid persistent haze outbreaks linked to land-clearing activities in neighboring Indonesia.

The closure follows a pattern of reactive measures by Malaysian states during haze seasons, with Johor taking a preemptive stance to avoid prolonged exposure risks. The decision also reflects broader public frustration over recurring haze episodes, which disproportionately affect children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. While the two-day shutdown provides immediate relief, it highlights the need for long-term solutions, including stricter enforcement of ASEAN’s haze mitigation protocols and enhanced regional collaboration.

For businesses and parents in Johor, the closure introduces logistical challenges, particularly for dual-income households reliant on school-based childcare. Naqib’s call for employer flexibility may ease some burdens, but the absence of a nationwide policy leaves families in other haze-affected states—such as Selangor and Perak—without similar support. Meanwhile, environmental groups have renewed calls for stronger action against illegal burning, which remains the primary driver of the haze crisis.

The outlook hinges on whether the current haze episode subsides within days or persists, potentially extending school closures. Onn Hafiz’s ASEAN appeal suggests a shift toward diplomatic pressure, but without concrete enforcement mechanisms, the crisis may recur next year. For now, Johor’s proactive response sets a precedent for other states, though the lack of a unified national strategy leaves room for further disruptions as haze seasons intensify.