Malaysia schools shut as haze crisis worsens ahead of Singapore F1

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 OCTOBER 2026 —

Malaysia closed 200 schools in Johor’s Bahu Pahat district on Wednesday as worsening wildfire haze—driven by Indonesia’s worst fire season in years—forced air quality in Kuala Lumpur into the "very unhealthy" range, the most polluted globally.

The closures in Johor, just 140km northwest of Singapore, followed a spike in transboundary haze after Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry reported last month’s hotspot count hit its highest since 2015. That year’s crisis triggered regional disruptions and diplomatic friction, including Malaysia’s cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur marathon. This year’s race saw slower times among top finishers, with organisers cancelling a kids’ event amid health concerns.

The haze stems from Indonesia’s slash-and-burn agricultural practices, worsened by an El Niño-induced drought. Environmental group Greenpeace identified over 20 companies—including Malaysian and Singaporean-linked firms in palm oil, pulp, and sugar—whose land concessions contributed to the smoke. Singapore GP organisers told The Edge they would consult authorities before deciding on race modifications, though an F1 spokesperson said current conditions posed no immediate concern.

The crisis underscores Malaysia’s vulnerability to transboundary pollution, with schools and public events repeatedly disrupted. Last week’s marathon cancellations and slower race times highlight the economic and health costs of haze, which disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. Bank Negara Malaysia has previously warned of haze-related productivity losses, though no official economic impact assessments have been released this season.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry has urged farmers to halt burning, but enforcement remains inconsistent. The SiPongi fire-monitoring platform shows hotspots persist across Sumatra and Borneo, with no immediate signs of abatement. Singapore’s National Environment Agency has issued advisories for outdoor activities, while Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has urged residents to limit prolonged exposure.

The haze’s timing ahead of the Singapore F1—one of the region’s premier sporting events—adds pressure on organisers to balance public health with economic stakes. Malaysia’s Education Ministry has not confirmed whether nationwide school closures will follow, though Johor’s decision signals escalating concern. Environmental groups warn that without stronger cross-border cooperation, the crisis will recur annually, particularly as climate change intensifies drought conditions.