Johor Schools Close Statewide on October 8 and 9 Due to Haze
All schools across Johor will close on October 8 and 9, as deteriorating air quality driven by a worsening regional haze crisis forces emergency precautionary measures. Johor education and information committee chairman Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali announced the statewide closures following a directive from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
Spike in Air Pollutant Index Prompts State and District Action
The emergency shutdowns follow severe drops in air quality across the state, with multiple districts recording unhealthy and very unhealthy readings on the Air Pollutant Index (API). Batu Pahat reached an API reading of 203 on Tuesday night, placing it in the very unhealthy
range and marking the highest reading in the country, according to the New Straits Times. The Malaysian API scale classifies readings from 0 to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and anything above 300 as hazardous.
Other areas in Johor experienced similarly elevated pollution levels. On Wednesday afternoon, Segamat and Pasir Gudang both registered API numbers of 171, followed by Tangkak at 168, Kluang at 166, Larkin at 162, Kota Tinggi at 160, and Pengerang at 156. In response to the worsening conditions in Batu Pahat, the local district disaster management committee ordered the immediate closure of all schools, kindergartens, and nurseries.
The broader federal response has also been triggered. The Ministry of Education ordered all state Education Departments, district Education Offices, and educational institutions to implement preventive measures listed under Circular No. 5 of 2016 and Circular No. 1 of 2019. These directives mandate the immediate closure of any school where the API exceeds 200 and the suspension of all outdoor student activities when the API surpasses 100.
Home-Based Learning and Exam Rescheduling for Students
To prevent disruption to the academic calendar, schools involved in the Year Four Learning Matrix or any other assessments will postpone the exercises. Muhammad Naqib stated that these assessments will be rescheduled subject to decisions by the Johor Education Department and relevant parties. During the two-day physical closure, schools will implement home-based teaching and learning to ensure students continue their lessons remotely.
The state government also appealed to employers for workforce flexibility. Muhammad Naqib acknowledged that the sudden closures affect working parents and guardians, noting that appropriate work arrangements from employers are greatly appreciated to help families manage the disruption.
Regional Diplomacy and Calls for ASEAN Intervention
Addressing the broader geopolitical dimensions of the crisis, Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to play a more active role in addressing regional haze and called for an emergency meeting. Onn Hafiz raised the proposal during a meeting with Indonesian Consul General in Johor Bahru Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, emphasizing that effective cooperation, prevention, monitoring, and response are vital for people across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Johor Haze Closures
What API threshold triggers an automatic school closure in Malaysia?
Under Ministry of Education guidelines, schools must close immediately when the Air Pollutant Index reading exceeds 200, which classifies the air quality as very unhealthy.
How are students expected to continue their education during the two-day shutdown?
Schools are required to conduct home-based teaching and learning during the closure, ensuring students continue their coursework remotely while staying indoors.
What specific health symptoms should parents monitor in children during the haze?
Parents are advised to watch for symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or breathing difficulties, and to seek immediate medical attention if children experience these health complications.