Culture & Entertainment · Malaysia Bureau
Three siblings killed in Pontian crash after disregarding haze school closure
A tragic road accident in Johor has claimed the lives of three school-age siblings who were travelling to school despite a closure order issued due to hazardous air quality conditions.
LSN Malaysia ·
PONTIAN — Three siblings from Pontian, Johor, were killed in a collision involving a motorcycle and a lorry on Monday, in an incident that occurred after they set out for school despite it being closed due to poor air quality from haze.
The eldest sibling, who was operating the motorcycle, reportedly doubted that the school closure notice was genuine and decided to proceed to the educational institution. The decision proved fatal when the motorcycle collided with the lorry along the route.
The incident underscores the serious risks posed by hazardous haze conditions, which not only affect air quality but also reduce visibility on roadways, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Schools across South and Southeast Asia have increasingly implemented closure protocols when air quality index readings reach unhealthy levels, a measure designed to protect students' respiratory health.
The crash has prompted renewed calls for public awareness regarding official school closure announcements during haze episodes. Authorities stressed the importance of heeding such notices, as they are issued to safeguard the wellbeing of students and the broader community during periods of poor air quality.