Johor extends school closures to Oct 16 as haze worsens

· Climate · Malaysia

Malaysia's southern state of Johor extended school closures to Oct. 16 as haze worsened, having first closed schools on Oct. 8. Parents scrambled for childcare, with some struggling to adjust their work schedules. Malaysia's Health Ministry reported rising cases of upper respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis in parts of the country and advised the public to reduce outdoor activities. The closures reflect the health risks posed by prolonged poor air quality.

Why it matters：Prolonged haze forces health and education disruptions, showing how environmental crises affect families and local economies.

Key points

  • Johor first closed schools on Oct. 8 and extended to Oct. 16.
  • Parents struggled to adjust work schedules for childcare.
  • Malaysia's Health Ministry reported rising respiratory infections.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day