Malaysia Closes 37 Schools Amid Escalating Haze Crisis

Malaysia closes 37 schools as haze worsens, with API levels reaching unhealthy thresholds. Parents and students adjust to new safety measures.

Editorial Desk

October 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Schools across multiple regions in Malaysia were shut on Friday as deteriorating air quality triggered health concerns, with 37 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, according to official data.

The closures affected Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, as well as the Rompin district of Pahang. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek urged state education departments to remain vigilant and act swiftly if conditions worsened, emphasizing that student and staff safety would be the top priority.

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In addition to school shutdowns, Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports postponed National Sports Day events in seven states and federal territories due to the hazardous air quality. The decision came after consultations with government agencies to prevent health risks for participants and the public. Meanwhile, schools in Johor remained closed for two days as a precautionary measure, with officials acknowledging the disruption to families but prioritizing health over convenience.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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