JOHOR BAHRU: Schools in Johor will remain closed for five more days from Monday due to unhealthy air quality from the haze, executive councillor Naqib Ghazali said today.
He said the decision was made by the Johor haze management coordination committee. The extension of school closure would remain subject to developments in air quality, weather forecasts and ongoing health assessments.
“Monitoring reports indicate that air pollution readings remain at concerning levels, with no significant improvement. The decision also takes into account wind movement towards the north and weather forecasts for the next three to four days, which will be considered before determining when schools can reopen,” he said in a statement.
Naqib said the measure was in line with a directive from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and reflected the state government’s commitment to public health and safety.
He said the committee would review and obtain the latest updates from the Examination Board to coordinate examination and assessment schedules for public schools and state religious schools.
He said private schools and childcare centres could decide for themselves whether to continue operating or stay closed.
Naqib said health authorities had raised concerns over the public health risks of prolonged exposure to air pollution and recommended more comprehensive preventive measures, particularly for children and vulnerable groups.
He said 30,648 cases of asthma and upper respiratory tract infections were recorded in the state this month, a weekly increase of 20.7%.