JOHOR BARU: The closure of educational institutions in Johor has been extended for another five days, from Oct 19 to 23, as haze persists and air quality remains poor.
State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made at a state haze management coordination meeting held today, in line with the wishes of Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Regent of Johor, who prioritises the safety, health and wellbeing of Johor residents.
"Monitoring reports show no significant change in air quality. Wind movements towards the north and weather forecasts for the next three to four days have also been taken into account.
"Health authorities have also expressed concern about the risks of prolonged exposure to air pollution, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
A total of 30,648 cases of asthma and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were recorded this month, with a 20.7 per cent increase in weekly cases," he said in a statement.
Muhammad Naqib said the extended closure would depend on changes in air quality, weather forecasts and the latest health assessments.
Limited exemptions could be considered for pupils sitting certain examinations or assessments, subject to coordination by the Johor Education Department and strict health standard operating procedures, including the use of face masks and no additional activities.
He said the education department would provide daily implementation guidelines in line with Education Ministry requirements and obtain the latest feedback from the Examinations Board to coordinate examinations and assessments between schools under the ministry and Johor religious schools.
Home-based teaching and learning would continue.
Muhammad Naqib said private educational institutions and childcare centres could decide whether to operate or close, provided they operated indoors and required the use of face masks.
He said updates would be announced through the department's official channels to help schools, parents and guardians make the necessary arrangements.
Malaysia has experienced hazy conditions since early August amid forest and peat fires in Indonesia.
Muhammad Naqib said the state government understood that the prolonged closure would affect pupils' and teachers' learning routines, the management of educational institutions and parents' daily affairs.
"However, pupils' safety and health must remain the priority, while ensuring educational needs are met through appropriate approaches," he said.
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