Schools shut across six Malaysian states as haze crisis deepens

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's education sector faces significant disruption as authorities implement emergency closures across multiple states grappling with severe haze conditions. Education Minister Fadhlina Azis confirmed that all educational institutions in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya have been ordered to cease operations.

The decision reflects escalating air quality concerns affecting the country's most densely populated regions. Schools in the affected states will remain closed until air quality indicators improve to safer levels, officials said.

Meanwhile, educational facilities in other states continue normal operations as local air quality remains within acceptable parameters. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors and limit outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.

The closures represent one of the most widespread education disruptions in recent years, affecting hundreds of thousands of students across the peninsula. Regional haze episodes, often exacerbated by transboundary pollution, have become recurring challenges during certain seasons, prompting authorities to maintain contingency protocols for schools and public institutions.