Malaysia’s Ministry of Education expands scope of school suspension due to haze

China News Service, Kuala Lumpur, October 12 (Reporter Liu Yuying) Malaysian Minister of Education Farina announced the latest haze school suspension arrangements on the 12th. Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and the Federal Territory of Putrajaya were newly added to the comprehensive suspension of classes. Some areas in Selangor and Pahang expanded the scope of suspension of classes. Johor will continue to suspend classes until the 16th and change to home teaching.

According to the latest arrangements, school closures across Johor have been extended to October 16; all schools in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Putrajaya Federal Territory will be closed on the 13th. Schools in some areas of Selangor and Pahang have simultaneously suspended face-to-face classes. Schools in other areas not included in the suspension will resume classes normally, but outdoor activities must be reduced.

Monitoring data from the Malaysian Environment Agency shows that as of 7 pm on the 12th, the air pollution index in 23 areas across the country was at unhealthy levels. Johor was the most severely affected, with Pasir Gudang recording the highest pollution index in the country at 177 points, and there were six other areas in the state with unhealthy air quality.

The Malaysian Ministry of Education stipulates that areas where the air pollution index exceeds 180, or is above 150 for three consecutive days, must initiate school closure measures. State education bureaus will continue to pay attention to changes in air quality and adjust school operation arrangements as appropriate.