Malaysia orders school closures as haze from Indonesian fires worsens across Southeast Asia

Malaysia has ordered schools to close in several states and federal territories after haze drifting from fires in Indonesia pushed air quality to unhealthy levels, disrupting classes and public life across parts of Southeast Asia. The closures came as officials warned that continued exposure could pose health risks to students, teachers and other school staff.

The Education Ministry said the shutdown covered schools in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and parts of Pahang, as well as the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Authorities also said schools in Rompin, Pahang, were included after air pollutant readings rose sharply in the affected areas. In some locations, lessons were expected to continue through remote or alternative arrangements while campuses remained closed.

The haze is part of a recurring regional crisis tied to forest and land fires in Indonesia, which have periodically sent smoke across national borders and strained relations among Southeast Asian countries. Malaysia and neighboring Singapore have repeatedly faced air-quality emergencies when dry-season burning on Indonesia’s islands worsens, especially during periods of hot, dry weather linked to El Niño conditions.

Air quality readings drive local shutdowns

Officials in Malaysia tied the school closures to the Air Pollutant Index, a measure used by the government to determine when haze has reached unsafe levels. Media reports and ministry statements said closures were triggered when readings crossed thresholds set by the Education Ministry, with local education departments and schools told to monitor conditions closely and act when readings became hazardous.

The ministry also said teachers and support staff were allowed to work from home during the closure period. Schools were instructed to maintain teaching and learning through methods that matched students’ needs and the capacity of each institution, though no blanket nationwide shutdown was announced.

The latest disruption comes amid renewed concern over Indonesia’s fire season, which has sent smoke over a wide area of the region. While the exact duration of the closures has not been finalized in all affected areas, officials said updates would be issued based on changing air-quality conditions and local monitoring results.