Culture & Entertainment · Malaysia Bureau
Johor readies school closures as air pollution index soars
Johor will shut all schools, kindergartens and childcare centres statewide if the Air Pollutant Index reaches 200, as four districts already record unhealthy pollution levels above 100.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Johor state government has announced it will implement comprehensive school closures across all educational institutions should air quality deteriorate to hazardous levels. The decision comes as air pollution readings in multiple districts have climbed above 100 on the Air Pollutant Index scale, signalling unhealthy air conditions for outdoor activities.
State authorities have set an API reading of 200 as the threshold for triggering the blanket closure of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres. This preparatory measure aims to protect young learners and staff from prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality, which can cause respiratory problems and other health complications.
Four districts in Johor are currently experiencing API readings exceeding 100, indicating unhealthy air conditions that warrant caution, particularly for vulnerable populations including children and the elderly. The state government has urged residents to monitor air quality updates regularly and take preventive measures such as wearing N95 masks and limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.
Authorities have not specified which districts are most affected or provided a timeline for when conditions may improve. Residents and schools are advised to stay alert for further updates from the Department of Environment and Johor's state administration regarding any escalation in air quality conditions.