WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Malaysia Closes Schools Due to Unhealthy Air Pollution
WHY IT MATTERS
The closure of schools highlights the impact of air pollution on public health and education, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to address the issue.
What happened
Malaysia's education ministry has announced the closure of schools in several states and the federal capital due to unhealthy air pollution caused by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia. The affected areas include Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and the Rompin district of Pahang state.
The decision was made after 37 areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index levels. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has instructed state education departments to continue monitoring the situation and take immediate action if necessary.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has agreed to take steps to combat the haze, with Malaysia offering assistance. Anwar has also requested a meeting of ASEAN ministers to coordinate a regional response and support Indonesia's efforts.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Smog shuts down schools in Malaysia
Cyprus Mail · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply
CORRECTIONS & UPDATES
- Revision 1 · Initial ingestion · Oct 9, 2026, 8:15 AM
- Revision 2 · Source update detected · Oct 9, 2026, 8:15 AM