Haze Forces Malaysia Shuts Schools in Capital

News Desk

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has closed schools in its capital and several other regions due to hazardous haze from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia, which has severely deteriorated air quality.

The closures were enacted on Friday as the air quality index soared to alarming levels, marking Kuala Lumpur as one of the most polluted major cities globally.

The toxic smoke, primarily from peatland and forest fires, has enveloped the region for over a month, leading to a surge in respiratory issues among residents.

Malaysia’s Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the full closure of schools in four states and two federal territories, with partial closures in Pahang State and three districts in Perak State.

This environmental crisis not only impacts education but also poses significant health risks to the population, prompting urgent discussions between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The situation underscores the need for regional cooperation to address transboundary haze pollution, which has become a recurring issue in Southeast Asia.

In light of the worsening conditions, Malaysia’s government is expected to convene an urgent regional meeting to strategize on mitigating the effects of the haze and improving air quality.

The education ministry has yet to confirm when schools will reopen, leaving parents and students in uncertainty.