Haze: Johor extends school and education institution closure by five days starting Monday

JOHOR BAHRU, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Johor Bahru: The Johor state government has decided to extend the closure of all schools and educational institutions across the state for five days starting Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, following persistent haze conditions and deteriorating air quality.

"After taking into account various factors and examining the current developments in air pollution caused by the haze that is still affecting this state, the Johor State Government has decided to extend the closure period of all schools and educational institutions throughout the state for five days, starting October 12 until October 16," he said in a media statement today.

Dr Muhammad Naqib said the extension was based on several key factors arising from the current situational assessment, among them wind movement and weather conditions. "The projected wind movement from the direction of Kalimantan for the period of October 13 to 15 which has the potential to bring cross-border air pollution, thus affecting the air quality index levels in Johor," he said.

He added that the risk of increased accumulation of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere, particularly pollutants that can affect the respiratory system and have health impacts on students and vulnerable groups, was also taken into account.

"In addition, the factor of static atmospheric conditions, namely slow air movement and atmospheric conditions that are less conducive to the dispersion of pollutants, has the potential to cause the haze to persist for a longer period," he said.

The committee chairman said authorities also examined the trend of Air Pollution Index (API) readings in Johor, which have been reported between approximately 170 and 180 to date, without showing any significant change, thus indicating that air quality levels remain in the unhealthy category and require continuous monitoring.

"Besides that, the study of developments and health reports related to the effects of air pollution, particularly the risk of respiratory disturbances among children, students and education personnel who are more exposed to the effects of haze, was also given serious attention," he said.

Dr Muhammad Naqib said the state government views early preventive measures as a priority to reduce the risk of prolonged exposure to polluted air, while ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment before face-to-face schooling sessions can be resumed.

Regarding school activities, he said for schools involved in the implementation of academic assessments or evaluations throughout the period, all related matters will be postponed and rescheduled based on the directives of the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and the relevant education authorities.

At the same time, he said the implementation of Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue according to suitability to ensure the continuity of the student learning process is not disrupted.

Dr Muhammad Naqib said the Johor State Government, in cooperation with relevant agencies, will continue to intensify monitoring of API developments from time to time, and any further decisions regarding the reopening of educational institutions will be announced through official channels after taking into account air quality developments and the safety and health assessment at the time. He also advised parents and the public to continue taking precautionary measures.